Israeli Court Orders Ultra-Orthodox Draft, Threatens Coalition

The Israeli Supreme Court has mandated the inclusion of ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students in the country’s military draft, posing a significant political challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This decision directly impacts Netanyahu’s coalition government, which heavily depends on support from ultra-Orthodox parties.

In a unanimous decision, the court declared that there is no legal basis for the military service exemption traditionally granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students. While military service is compulsory for most Israeli men and women, ultra-Orthodox Jews have historically been allowed exemptions to pursue religious studies. The ruling also requires the government to stop funding yeshivas or religious schools whose students do not comply with the draft orders. Netanyahu, his office, and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have yet to respond to the court’s ruling.

The court’s decision is a severe blow to Netanyahu’s administration, which has supported the continuation of these exemptions. Implementing the draft could alienate key ultra-Orthodox coalition partners—Shas and United Torah Judaism—potentially leading to the collapse of his government. Despite Netanyahu’s preference to maintain the current exemptions, Defense Minister Gallant has advocated for ending them, emphasizing the urgent need for military personnel. Gallant’s stance resonates with a significant portion of the Israeli population, as a March poll revealed that 70% of Israeli Jews favor abolishing the exemptions.

Justice Uzi Vogelman highlighted the urgency of addressing inequality during ongoing conflicts, stating, “In the midst of a grueling war, the burden of inequality is harsher than ever and demands a solution.”

On the other hand, Moshe Gafni, a senior ultra-Orthodox lawmaker and leader of the United Torah Judaism party, condemned the ruling. He argued that the Supreme Court fails to recognize the value of Torah study and its historical contributions to Israel, saying, “There has never been a ruling by the Supreme Court in favor of the members of the Yeshiva and the interest of the ultra-Orthodox public.”

The ruling underscores the ongoing tensions between religious and secular segments of Israeli society. It challenges long-standing policies and could reshape the political landscape, testing Netanyahu’s ability to maintain his coalition. The outcome of this conflict will likely influence the broader debate on military service and religious exemptions in Israel.