Netanyahu Coalition in Crisis Over Religious Draft as War Rages.

A recent ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court has frozen funding to ultra-Orthodox seminaries unless their students serve in the military, causing a crisis in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Ultra-Orthodox parties in the ruling coalition, who were promised permanent exemption from conscription, are angry and threatening to leave the coalition. The court's decision has been supported by those in the center who argue that Israel needs more military manpower in the face of threats from Hamas and Hezbollah. The exemption of the ultra-Orthodox from military service has long been a source of resentment among many Israelis, who see it as unfair and a drain on the economy. The ruling could have an immediate impact on religious academies, with some losing up to 50% of their funding. The issue of conscription has become more urgent due to the ongoing war in Gaza and the need for more soldiers. The Haredim, who make up 13% of the Israeli population, believe that religious study contributes more to Israel's safety than military service and fear that exposure to secular society will lead their young men to leave their religious community. The dispute over conscription has intensified since the recent war in Gaza, which has forced a rethinking of Israel's security doctrine and the need for more manpower. A plan to lengthen military service is expected to cost $27 billion over the next decade, but if the ultra-Orthodox join the military, it could reduce the need for reservists. The government had until the [Extracted from the article]