In Israel, military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women, but ultra-Orthodox parties have secured exemptions for their followers to study in religious seminaries instead. This arrangement has sparked resentment, particularly during the recent Israeli war on Gaza, where over 600 soldiers lost their lives and tens of thousands of reservists were called up.
Protesters have taken to the streets, with some even blocking highways and facing arrest as they chant, “To prison! Not to the army!” The ultra-Orthodox community believes that their religious studies are a way to protect the Zionist regime, fearing that military service may lead to a weakening of their faith.
Despite this, the Israeli Supreme Court has ruled that the exemption system is unequal and has ordered the government to start drafting ultra-Orthodox men. This decision could potentially destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, as the ultra-Orthodox parties strongly oppose any changes to the current system.