In a landmark decision, Israel's Supreme Court has demanded that ultra-Orthodox men fulfill their military obligations, negating previous exemptions.
The court's unanimous ruling revokes long-standing draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, inciting governmental and societal turmoil, Fox News reported.
For decades, ultra-Orthodox men were exempt from military service, as many focused on religious studies in seminaries. Their community has long supported this practice, but other sectors of Israeli society see it as controversial.
This ruling could destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Ultra-Orthodox political parties, which form a crucial segment of Netanyahu's coalition, have vehemently opposed compulsory military service for their communities.
The dependency of Netanyahu's governance on these religious factions underscores his vulnerable political balancing act, as the decision could lead to coalition partners withdrawing their support.
Cabinet Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf stated, "The ruling is unfortunate and disappointing." He further emphasized the state's spiritual foundations: "The state of Israel was established to be a home for the Jewish people whose Torah is the bedrock of its existence. The Holy Torah will prevail."
The court criticized the state's ongoing selective enforcement as a serious breach of legal and ethical equality standards. "The state was carrying out invalid selective enforcement, which represents a serious violation of the rule of law and the principle according to which all individuals are equal before the law," the court announced. This declaration encapsulates the judiciary's resolve to uphold constitutional obligations toward national service, highlighting a critical step toward achieving societal equality.
Amid escalating conflicts with Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in significant Israeli military casualties, the need for additional troops has become increasingly urgent. In recent months, the military has been calling up tens of optimization soldiers, further straining resources and necessitating broader recruitment strategies.
Protests from ultra-Orthodox communities have emerged, voicing their strong opposition against the compulsory recruitment. These demonstrations highlight the deep societal rifts that could expand following this decision.
Historical data points out that about 13,000 ultra-Orthodox males reach conscription age every year, though traditionally, less than 10% choose to enlist. This stark disparity has been a focal point in public debates concerning national duty and societal contributions.
Attempts to legislate this issue were made as recently as 2022, with a bill later deemed inadequate, especially in light of the ongoing conflict and elevated military needs.
The ruling has legal ramifications and profound social and political implications. It challenges long-standing traditions and tests the durability and adaptability of Netanyahu's coalition government.
In summary, the Supreme Court's decision reflects a significant shift in Israeli policy and societal expectations regarding military service. The ruling aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable framework for national service, compelling all segments of society, regardless of religious adherence, to contribute to the country's security needs. It raises crucial questions about balancing religious obligations and national responsibilities against political fragility and escalating regional tensions.
