Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is facing resistance from ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties over lifting exemptions for religious students from military service, Reuters reports.
These exemptions, dating back to the state’s founding, have become a contentious issue as the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community has grown to make up 13% of the population. The Ultra-Orthodox resistance to joining the military stems from religious identity concerns that could be lost through military service. However, secular Israelis resent subsidizing the Haredim while being obligated to serve in the military. Opinion polls indicate very broad public support for removing the exemptions on the Haredi draft.
Netanyahu risks coalition instability if he removes exemptions, as his government includes two ultra-Orthodox parties. Netanyahu sought a 30-day deferment from the Supreme Court, which granted an extension until April 30.
