Israeli Military Draft Notices to Ultra-Orthodox: A Potential Political Earthquake

The Israeli military's plan to send draft notices to Jewish ultra-Orthodox men could destabilize Netanyahu's government, heightening tensions and triggering large protests. The Supreme Court ruled the existing exemption system discriminatory, leading to potential political upheaval if religious leaders withdraw support.

The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it will begin issuing draft notices to Jewish ultra-Orthodox men next week — a move that might destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and spark significant protests within the community.

This announcement follows a landmark Supreme Court order mandating young religious men to start enlisting for military service. Historically, ultra-Orthodox men have been exempt from compulsory military duty, a long-standing political arrangement.

The exemptions have fueled public resentment in Israel, especially during nine months of conflict against Hamas in Gaza. The army's draft notifications signal the start of a challenging enlistment process, potentially hindered by large-scale non-compliance. The army did not specify when these men will begin their service or how many will receive the notices.

The Supreme Court determined that the exemptions, allowing religious men to study in Jewish seminaries while others serve in the army, were discriminatory. Ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that religious study is crucial for the nation’s future and warn that their lifestyle is at risk if their community members are conscripted.

Netanyahu's government, reliant on ultra-Orthodox party support, faces potential collapse if these parties oppose the changes. Ultra-Orthodox leaders haven't disclosed their response yet. Their withdrawal could lead to the government's downfall and premature elections two years ahead of schedule.

The army's plan might also incite unrest; previous attempts to draft ultra-Orthodox men precipitated mass protests. Another demonstration is planned for Tuesday evening in Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city near Tel Aviv.

On Monday night, senior military commanders were surrounded by dozens of ultra-Orthodox individuals in Bnei Brak while meeting local rabbis about forming an ultra-Orthodox unit in the army. The crowd, calling them “murderers” and throwing bottles, threatened the officers, as reported by Israeli media.