Draft Notices to Ultra-Orthodox Could Shake Israel’s Government

The Israeli military will begin issuing draft notices to ultra-Orthodox men, potentially destabilizing Prime Minister Netanyahu's government. This follows a Supreme Court order ending their longstanding exemptions from compulsory military service. The decision has sparked resentment and could lead to mass protests and government collapse if ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw support.

The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it will start sending draft notices to Jewish ultra-Orthodox men next week, a move that could destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and incite significant protests within the community.

This comes after a landmark Supreme Court ruling mandated young religious men to start military service. For decades, ultra-Orthodox men enjoyed exemptions from the compulsory draft, a point of ongoing resentment among the general Israeli public, especially following extended conflict against Hamas in Gaza. The draft process, expected to be lengthy and challenging to enforce, did not specify when these men would begin their service or how many are affected.

The Supreme Court declared that allowing religious men to study in Jewish seminaries while others serve in the military was discriminatory. Ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that religious study is crucial for the nation's future and that military service threatens their traditional way of life. Netanyahu's government, supported by ultra-Orthodox parties, faces potential collapse if these parties withdraw their support.

Past attempts to enlist ultra-Orthodox men have led to unsettlement and massive protests, with similar demonstrations, such as one planned in Bnei Brak, being anticipated. On Monday night, dozens of ultra-Orthodox individuals surrounded the cars of senior military commanders in Bnei Brak, confronting them as they discussed creating an ultra-Orthodox unit in the army with local rabbis.

(With inputs from agencies.)