Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, moved forward with a contentious bill aimed at conscripting ultra-Orthodox religious students into the military amid heated scenes and protests from families of Gaza hostages demanding more action to secure their loved one’s release.
The conscription bill, which must still pass further readings and committee hearings, proposes a gradual inclusion of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military, a group that has traditionally resisted mandatory service. This comes just a day after centrist former general Benny Gantz quit the government over strategic disagreements regarding the Gaza war, increasing the volatile political climate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces, now increasingly reliant on his hard-right allies.
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Originally proposed by Gantz in 2022 under the previous government, the measure now faces opposition from him as he deems it inadequate for the military’s current personnel needs. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the last remaining former general in the government, voted against the bill, breaking ranks with Netanyahu.
Conversely, the coalition’s religious parties, which have traditionally opposed general conscription, supported the bill with the intention of making changes during the review stage. While promoting the conscription of more ultra-Orthodox men, the bill would limit their numbers and allow some alternatives to military service.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of one of the pro-settler parties in the coalition, emphasized the bill’s importance. “We have a great opportunity that should not be missed. The ultra-Orthodox public must not be pushed into a corner,” he stated.