The Israeli Supreme Court has issued a significant ruling ordering the government to cease funding religious schools whose students evade mandatory military service, a decision that poses a serious challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredim, have historically enjoyed privileged status in Israel, with their schools receiving substantial government subsidies. The exemption of Haredi men from military service has been a contentious issue in Israeli society since the country's inception.
The ongoing debate has intensified following Israel's military actions in response to a terror attack by Hamas, putting the nation on a war footing for nearly six months.
Netanyahu's coalition heavily relies on two Ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism. However, his wartime cabinet partners, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, have criticized Netanyahu's handling of the exemption issue.
The High Court's ruling challenges a historical agreement made by Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, to exempt 400 men studying in religious schools from military service in 1948. The Haredi community has since grown significantly, comprising 24% of recruitment-aged Israelis, making the exemption more contentious.
Despite attempts by Netanyahu to delay the Supreme Court's deadline, the court has mandated that the government can no longer fund yeshivas whose students do not receive legitimate deferments starting April 1.
Yitzhak Goldknopf of the United Torah Judaism party criticized the ruling, calling it 'a sign of disgrace and contempt.'
Ultra-Orthodox Jews consider religious study crucial for Judaism's preservation, viewing it as equally important to Israel's defense as the military.
The exemption issue has been identified as a potential threat to the coalition's stability. Gantz emphasized the need for government action following the court's ruling, positioning himself as a prominent political opponent to Netanyahu.
The Biden administration has also weighed in on the situation, urging increased aid to Gaza, which is facing severe humanitarian challenges.
