In Israel, military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women, but the politically powerful ultra-Orthodox parties have secured exemptions for their followers to study in religious seminaries instead. This has caused resentment among the broader public, especially during the recent eight-month war against Hamas, which has resulted in over 600 soldiers being killed and many reservists being activated, disrupting lives and careers.
The ultra-Orthodox parties argue that forcing their men to serve in the army would threaten their generations-old way of life. Thousands of men recently gathered for mass prayers and held signs criticizing the government’s push to draft them into the military. These parties are crucial members of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition government, and if they choose to leave in protest, it could lead to new elections.
While the party leaders have not confirmed their intentions to leave the government, the coalition’s popularity has dwindled since the start of the war against Hamas. The decision to stay or leave could be risky for the ultra-Orthodox parties and could have significant implications for Israeli politics.
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