The Israeli Supreme Court has issued a ruling ordering the government to cease funding religious schools whose students evade the country's mandatory military service. This decision poses a significant challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition, which relies on support from two Ultra-Orthodox parties - Shas and United Torah Judaism.
Netanyahu's handling of the issue of Ultra-Orthodox conscription has drawn criticism from his wartime cabinet partners, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz of the National Unity Party. The High Court's ruling has sparked strong reactions from Ultra-Orthodox leaders, with Ariyeh Deri of the Shas party accusing the judges of threatening the existence of the Jewish people.
Historically, young men studying in yeshivas have been exempt from military service, effectively exempting all Ultra-Orthodox Israelis. However, this exemption was never formalized into law, leading the Supreme Court to deem it inequitable. Despite attempts by Netanyahu to delay the deadline for passing a law to formalize the exemption, the Supreme Court has mandated that the government can no longer fund yeshivas whose students do not receive legitimate deferments.
Yitzhak Goldknopf, leader of the United Torah Judaism party, condemned the ruling as a disgrace and contempt, emphasizing the importance of Torah study to the Jewish people's identity. Ultra-Orthodox Jews consider religious study crucial for the preservation of Judaism, viewing it as equally vital to Israel's defense as military service.
Benny Gantz of the National Unity Party welcomed the court's decision, urging the government to take action. The ruling signifies a significant development in the ongoing debate over Ultra-Orthodox conscription in Israel, highlighting the complex intersection of religious beliefs and national security concerns.
