Israel's Supreme Court has made a significant ruling that will impact government subsidies for many ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve in the army. The decision could have far-reaching consequences for both the government and the tens of thousands of religious men who have been exempt from mandatory military service.
The ruling has created a major challenge for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, as it has exposed a deep divide over military service within the national unity government. The ultra-Orthodox parties, long-time allies of Netanyahu, are pushing for draft exemptions to continue, while centrist members of the government are advocating for equal contributions from all sectors of Israeli society during the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
If the ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw from the government, it could lead to new elections, with Netanyahu currently facing a decline in popularity in the midst of the conflict. Most Jewish men in Israel are required to serve nearly three years in the military, with women serving two mandatory years.
The Supreme Court's ruling deemed the current system discriminatory and has given the government a deadline to present a new plan by Monday and pass it by June 30. Netanyahu has requested a 30-day extension to find a compromise, but the court has not yet responded to his plea.
The court has issued an interim order halting government funding for monthly subsidies for religious students aged 18 to 26 who have not received a military deferral in the past year. This decision will impact approximately one-third of the 180,000 seminary students who receive government subsidies for full-time learning.
The ruling has been met with mixed reactions, with Netanyahu's political rival, Benny Gantz, supporting the decision as a recognition of the importance of military service during times of conflict. However, ultra-Orthodox leaders have criticized the ruling, with Aryeh Deri of the Shas party calling it an 'unprecedented bullying of Torah students in the Jewish state.'
The debate over military service for ultra-Orthodox men reflects broader tensions within Israeli society, with mandatory military service seen as a rite of passage for the Jewish majority. The ultra-Orthodox community argues that their religious lifestyle and dedication to upholding Jewish commandments are as crucial to Israel's security as a strong army.
