Tensions Rise as Israel Balances Budget with Religious Draft Exemptions

Israel's government navigates conflict over military draft exemptions for Ultra-Orthodox seminary students, whilst securing the budget amidst wartime. Ultra-Orthodox leaders agree to delay demands for exemption laws, contingent on state funding for Haredi daycare. Military service remains mandatory, with exemptions stirring domestic tensions.

Israel faces tension as the government attempts to balance budget priorities with contentious military draft exemptions for Ultra-Orthodox Torah students. This week saw ultra-Orthodox parties temporarily withdrawing demands for immediate conscription law changes.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, pressed by the necessity of budget approval, has walked a political tightrope between satisfying Ultra-Orthodox coalition partners and addressing other factions insisting wartime needs make draft exemptions untenable.

Despite internal pressures and an ongoing military conflict, the budget, loaded with significant cuts, was passed, easing immediate financial and political threats. The agreement on state funding for Haredi childcare offered a temporary resolution to prevent government destabilization.

(With inputs from agencies.)