Israeli Coalition Strains Over Military Exemption Bill

A key Israeli parliamentary committee debated a contentious military service bill on Monday. The proposed law would continue exempting most ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from mandatory conscription. The opposition accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pushing the bill to preserve his ruling coalition. Key ultra-Orthodox parties in the government strongly support the exemptions. The long-standing policy is deeply divisive in Israel. Most Jewish citizens must serve in the military, but many ultra-Orthodox men instead pursue religious studies. The committee discussion highlights a major rift within the coalition. Netanyahu’s government risks instability if it cannot reconcile the demands of its ultra-Orthodox partners with widespread public calls for more equitable conscription.