June 25th 2024.
In a momentous decision, Israel's Supreme Court has declared that the military must now draft ultra-Orthodox men for military service, putting an end to the longstanding exemption that has been a source of tension and resentment between the ultra-Orthodox and the secular public. This ruling, made unanimously by the court, has the potential to shake up the current political landscape and possibly even lead to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government as they continue to grapple with the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The court's ruling states that without a specific law in place that distinguishes between seminary students and other draftees, the compulsory military service system in Israel applies to ultra-Orthodox individuals just like any other citizen. This means that they will no longer be exempt from the draft like they have been for many years. This exemption has been a contentious issue, causing frustration and resentment among the secular population who feel that the ultra-Orthodox have not been sharing the burden of national defense.
For decades, most Jewish men and women in Israel have been required to serve in the military, but the ultra-Orthodox community has been able to avoid this duty. This divide has only widened during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the secular public feeling even more strongly that the ultra-Orthodox should also be contributing to the country's defense efforts. This decision by the Supreme Court reflects the changing attitudes and growing frustration towards the exemptions granted to the ultra-Orthodox community.
This ruling could potentially have significant political implications, as Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition government relies on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties. With this exemption now being overturned, it remains to be seen how the ultra-Orthodox community and their political representatives will respond, and what impact this will have on the stability of the government. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has highlighted the need for unity and shared responsibility in protecting the country, and this ruling is a step towards achieving that goal.
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