Netanyahu faces huge challenge after court ruling on military exemption
Israeli Prime Minister faces challenge over government subsidies for ultra-Orthodox military service.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a significant challenge as the country’s supreme court has ordered an end to government subsidies for ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve in the army. The ruling aims to enhance the military enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men who have historically been exempt from conscription. If a new plan is not presented by Monday and passed by 30 June, the subsidies will cease. Netanyahu has requested a 30-day extension to find a compromise, as his government consists of parties both in support of and opposition to ultra-Orthodox enlistment. The issue of military service for the ultra-Orthodox community is creating deep political and social divisions, with the potential for the collapse of the government if the ultra-Orthodox parties opt to leave. An alternative proposal to increase military service obligations has been rejected by the Haredi parties, with some individuals expressing a preference for jail over enlistment. The exemption policy for the ultra-Orthodox dates back decades but is now being challenged due to increasing demands for a more equitable military call-up process.