Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters in Jerusalem blocked roads on Sunday as Israel's Supreme Court heard arguments in a significant case challenging a controversial system of exemptions from military service granted to the religious community. The court is examining the legality of these exemptions, which have caused division in the country and posed a threat to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition. A decision on this matter is anticipated in the coming weeks.
In Israel, most Jewish men and women are obligated to serve mandatory military service at the age of 18. However, the politically influential ultra-Orthodox community has traditionally been exempted if they are engaged in full-time religious studies at seminaries. These exemptions have sparked outrage among the wider public, particularly in light of the significant number of soldiers who have lost their lives in conflicts, such as the war with Hamas.
