JERUSALEM. Israel’s Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling on Tuesday, mandating the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students into the military, a decision that intensifies political tensions for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid a fragile coalition government.
Netanyahu’s Likud party described the Supreme Court’s decision as “perplexing,” citing ongoing efforts in parliament to formulate a new conscription law to address the issue. The ruling challenges the longstanding exemptions enjoyed by ultra-Orthodox parties, crucial allies in Netanyahu’s coalition, who view military service as incompatible with their religious practices.
Leaders of the ultra-Orthodox parties expressed disappointment but refrained from immediate threats to the government. However, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s support for drafting seminary students could strain Netanyahu’s coalition further.
The exemption has been a contentious issue as Israel grapples with military demands heightened by conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The court’s unanimous decision underscored the inequality of shouldering military burdens during wartime.
Under Israeli law, citizens are obligated to serve in the military from age 18 for 24 to 32 months. Most of the Arab minority is exempt, and ultra-Orthodox seminary students have historically been exempt as well. Last year, the legal basis for their exemption expired, yet they continued to be excused from service until the Supreme Court’s recent ruling.
In addition to ending exemptions, the court ruled that seminaries would lose state subsidies if scholars do not serve without deferrals or exemptions, further pressuring the ultra-Orthodox coalition.
Education Minister Yoav Kisch expressed hope for compromise amidst ongoing societal and military challenges. “Not in a civil war, not amidst a tough conflict. We can resolve this together,” Kisch stated.
Political analysts view the ruling as a significant challenge for Netanyahu, who has sought to defer the resolution of the conscription issue. “He will try to delay and mitigate the issue’s impact on public discourse,” said Gideon Rahat of the Israel Democracy Institute.
Ultra-Orthodox lawmaker Moshe Gafni criticized the ruling, emphasizing the value of Torah study to Jewish heritage. Opposition parties welcomed the decision, with former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman rejecting the notion of evading military service.
For years, Israel has grappled with legislation to address the conscription issue, which could now potentially destabilize Netanyahu’s government if consensus on a new draft bill fails.
The exemption has sparked protests among Israelis concerned about unequal military burdens, while ultra-Orthodox demonstrators have protested under the slogan “death before conscription,” blocking city streets.
Economically, the exemption impacts Israel’s workforce, with the ultra-Orthodox population expected to grow significantly, straining welfare resources.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
