Israeli Supreme Court Rules on Military Draft for Ultra-Orthodox Men
Israel's Supreme Court rules that ultra-Orthodox men must begin military service, potentially leading to collapse of Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition. The decision ends a system of exemptions that has caused division among the Jewish population.
Key Points
- Decades-old system of exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men abolished
- Court finds selective enforcement a violation of the rule of law
- Over 600 soldiers killed in the ongoing war with Hamas
- Ultra-Orthodox community makes up 13% of Israel's population
- Challenges in accommodating ultra-Orthodox lifestyle in the military
Pros
- Ending discriminatory exemptions
- Creating equality in military service obligations
- Addressing manpower shortage in the military
Cons
- Potential collapse of the governing coalition
- Deepening divide among Jewish population
- Opposition from politically powerful ultra-Orthodox parties