Israel Moves to End Military Exemption for Ultra-Orthodox Men

Israel’s government is advancing a bill to require ultra-Orthodox Jewish men to serve in the military. The proposed law would end a decades-long policy that exempted them from conscription if they were enrolled in full-time religious study. This change addresses a critical shortage of military personnel. It follows a Supreme Court order demanding a more equitable draft law. The issue has caused a major political crisis. Senior ultra-Orthodox lawmakers, key partners in the ruling coalition, strongly oppose the bill. They argue military service would disrupt their community’s religious lifestyle. If the coalition fails to pass the legislation, the government could collapse. Parliament must approve a new draft law before the court’s deadline expires in late July.