Israel’s Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students must be drafted into the military, a fresh blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that could lead to the collapse of his increasingly fragile governing coalition.
“At the height of a difficult war, the burden of inequality is more than ever acute,” the court said in a unanimous ruling that will send shockwaves through the country in the midst of Israel’s monthslong offensive in the Gaza Strip following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks.
Most Israelis are by law expected to serve in the military. But for decades, exemptions have existed for the ultra-Orthodox, who make up about 13% of Israeli society, to allow them to study full-time in religious seminaries.
Netanyahu’s governing coalition partly relies on two ultra-Orthodox parties that have called for those exemptions to remain in place.
Tuesday’s ruling could potentially imperil Netanyahu’s leadership, with the Israeli leader already forced to dissolve his war Cabinet following the resignation of his chief political rival and former defense minister Benny Gantz.
A collapse of Netanyahu’s government would force Israel into new elections, which polling suggests the prime minister would likely lose.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
