Israel's Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling ordering the government to draft ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military, a decision that could have significant implications for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition. The court also mandated the withdrawal of funding from religious schools whose students fail to comply with draft notices.
The ruling, which comes amid ongoing conflict and political instability, marks a significant shift in a long-standing exemption that ultra-Orthodox Jews have enjoyed from mandatory military service since Israel's inception. The court emphasized the principle of equality before the law and criticized the government's previous attempts to differentiate enforcement based on group affiliation.
While the ruling is a significant legal development, its immediate impact on the actual enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men remains uncertain. The military has acknowledged manpower shortages but may face challenges in integrating large numbers of ultra-Orthodox individuals due to their specific religious requirements.
Political reactions to the ruling have been mixed, with Netanyahu's government facing internal tensions as it navigates the implications of the court's decision. Haredi parties, which have traditionally opposed efforts to draft their community members, continue to advocate for legislative exemptions.
The Supreme Court's ruling reflects a broader societal debate in Israel, with a majority of respondents in a recent poll expressing support for changing the Haredi exemption from military service. The ongoing dialogue between legal, political, and military stakeholders underscores the complex dynamics at play in addressing this longstanding issue.
