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Israel's draft law reform sparks crisis as coalition battles over forcing ultra-Orthodox men into military service.
A new draft law to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jewish men in Israel has reignited a political crisis, as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition faces pressure to balance military needs with maintaining support from ultra-Orthodox parties.
Since 1948, men studying in religious yeshivas have been exempt from mandatory service, a policy invalidated by the Supreme Court in June 2024, which demanded a viable plan.
The latest proposal, introduced by Boaz Bismuth, reduces enlistment quotas, eases exemptions, and imposes only minor penalties like travel and driving restrictions.
Critics call it ineffective, accusing the government of favoring draft-dodgers, while ultra-Orthodox parties threaten to collapse the coalition if exemptions aren’t honored.
Only about 2% of ultra-Orthodox men currently respond to conscription orders, despite the military’s need for additional soldiers amid ongoing regional tensions.
The bill is set for parliamentary debate, highlighting deep divisions over equality, national service, and political survival.
El proyecto de reforma de la ley de Israel desencadena una crisis mientras la coalición lucha por obligar a los hombres ultraortodoxos al servicio militar.