In a unanimous decision that marks a seismic shift in Israeli policy, the Supreme Court has ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jewish men are subject to the same compulsory military service laws as other Israeli citizens. This historic ruling overturns decades of exemptions granted to the ultra-Orthodox community, a practice that has been a contentious issue in Israeli society since the state’s founding in 1948. The decision is expected to impact around 67,000 men who were previously exempted and comes amid heightened tensions as Israel continues to engage in conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.The ruling could have significant repercussions for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which includes ultra-Orthodox parties such as Shas and United Torah Judaism. These parties, which hold a critical 18 seats in the coalition, have historically opposed the conscription of young Torah students and could potentially withdraw their support, leading to the government’s collapse. The Supreme Court’s decision also stipulates that ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve should not receive public funds for education and social assistance, a move that could disrupt the funding for religious schools known as yeshivot.The ruling has been met with opposition from ultra-Orthodox leaders and politicians, who argue that it threatens their religious way of life. Secular parties and organizations, however, have welcomed the decision, seeing it as a step towards a more equal society. The court has not specified the number of men to be drafted or the timeframe for implementation, leaving the government to navigate the ruling’s integration into military and societal structures. With public opinion largely in favor of conscription for all, Netanyahu faces the challenge of balancing the demands of his secular constituents with the religious parties that are crucial to his political survival.
Key points
- The Israeli Supreme Court has ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jewish men must serve in the military, ending their long-standing exemption.
- The decision could destabilize Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, which relies on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties.
- Around 67,000 ultra-Orthodox men are affected by the ruling.
