Israel's Haredi Military Exemption Controversy: A Nation Divided

Israel's decision to call up 1,000 members of the Ultra-Orthodox Haredi community sparks heated debate. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling to end long-standing military service exemptions, risking destabilization of Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition. Tensions escalate amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and on the Lebanon border.

Israel is set to issue call-up notices to 1,000 Ultra-Orthodox Haredi community members, marking a significant point in a long-standing debate over military conscription. This move comes after the Supreme Court ruled to end decades-old exemptions from military service for the Haredi community.

The abolition of these exemptions, originally established in 1948, has become a contentious issue especially with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and rising tensions on Israel's border with Lebanon. The controversy risks destabilizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, which includes two religious parties opposed to drafting young Orthodox men.

The Haredi community, making up over 13% of Israel's population, has historically resisted military service to preserve their religious practices. This resistance has intensified social divides, with many secular Israelis viewing the exemptions as unfair. The debate has reached a critical point as Israel faces heightened conflict, and public opinion strongly supports removing the exemptions. The future of Netanyahu's coalition hangs in the balance as a new bill on conscription works its way through parliament.

(With inputs from agencies.)