Ultra-Orthodox Draft in Israel To Start Next Week, IDF Says

Next week, the Israeli military will initiate the process of drafting ultra-Orthodox seminary students following a recent Supreme Court ruling that ended their long-standing exemption from military service. This move comes at a time when Israel is experiencing significant casualties due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas and other fronts, heightening tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

The decision to integrate ultra-Orthodox students into the military is controversial and has already sparked protests. The ultra-Orthodox community, which makes up 13% of Israel’s population, has historically been exempt from military service to allow young men to continue their religious studies. However, this exemption has been a point of contention in Israeli society, with critics arguing that it fosters inequality.

As the military begins issuing call-up notices for the July recruitment cycle, minor clashes have erupted between protesters and police. Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes two ultra-Orthodox parties, finds this ruling particularly challenging as it tests the delicate balance between maintaining support from these religious groups and adhering to the Supreme Court’s mandate.