Israeli Supreme Court Ruling on Ultra-Orthodox Military Service
The Israeli Supreme Court has made a landmark decision that could significantly impact the political landscape for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The court ruled unanimously that ultra-Orthodox Jews studying Torah in religious schools must undertake military service. This decision challenges a long-standing exemption dating back to the founding of Israel, where Holocaust survivors were allowed to study the Torah instead of joining the military.
Political and Social Implications
This ruling poses a dilemma for Netanyahu's coalition government, which includes two ultra-Orthodox parties vehemently opposed to the mandatory conscription of their community members. The ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, which now constitutes 13% of Israel's population, has one of the highest birth rates in the world. The exemption from military service has allowed many to continue their religious studies uninterrupted, a practice that may now face significant changes.
The High Court of Justice's decision also affects the financial aspects of yeshiva students' education. The government cannot budget for these students unless it adheres to the new legal requirements. While the government is advancing a conscription law that has passed its first reading in the Knesset, it has not yet completed the legislative process. This proposed law aims to gradually integrate ultra-Orthodox Jews into the job market by lowering the exemption age from conscription and setting annual recruitment targets.
The proposed law suggests reducing the age of exemption to 21 for two years, then raising it to 22 for one year, and finally setting it at 23. It also aims to incentivize ultra-Orthodox integration into the workforce by establishing recruitment targets that reflect the community's growth rate. Financial penalties for yeshivas are proposed if these targets are not met, adding another layer of complexity to the already contentious issue.
Controversy surrounds the specifics of the law, particularly whether recruitment targets should be enshrined in legislation or subject to government decisions. Another point of contention is the extent of financial sanctions on yeshivas if recruitment goals are not achieved.
- The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant shift in Israeli policy towards the ultra-Orthodox community, which has traditionally been exempt from military service. This exemption has been a cornerstone of the social contract between the state and the ultra-Orthodox since Israel's inception.
- The proposed conscription law aims to address the growing demographic and economic challenges posed by the increasing ultra-Orthodox population. By encouraging earlier entry into the job market, the law seeks to balance the need for military manpower with the economic integration of a rapidly growing community.
- The outcome of this legal and political struggle could have far-reaching implications for Israeli society, potentially reshaping the relationship between the state and the ultra-Orthodox community. As the government navigates the complexities of implementing this ruling, the responses from various political and social factions will be crucial in determining the future direction of Israeli policy.
