sraeli Military to Begin Conscripting Ultra-Orthodox Men
The Israeli military will begin sending initial conscription orders on Sunday to ultra-Orthodox men following a landmark Supreme Court decision that ends the community’s long-running exemption from military service. This move sets up a potential clash with the Israeli government.
Initial Orders for 1,000 Men
About 1,000 ultra-Orthodox men, aged 18 to 26, will receive the initial orders as part of the first group of draftees, according to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The effort aims to gradually increase conscription while avoiding direct confrontation with the community.
Screenings and Enlistment Process
The military announced that these men will participate in initial screenings for conscription in August and September. Two more groups of potential conscripts are expected to follow in the coming weeks, according to a statement from Gallant’s office.
Supreme Court Ruling
In June, the Supreme Court ruled that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men, many of whom attend religious schools, or yeshivas. This ruling adds strain to Netanyahu’s governing coalition, which relies on the support of two ultra-Orthodox parties that favor the exemption, even as Israel is engaged in conflict in Gaza.
Polarized Society
The ultra-Orthodox exemption has long polarized Israeli society, where most Jewish 18-year-olds, men and women, are conscripted for years of obligatory service. Many ultra-Orthodox families view military service as unacceptable, fearing exposure to secularism and differing interpretations of religious practice.