Israeli Military Issues 54,000 Drafts Targeting Ultra-Orthodox Amid Gaza War

The Israeli government is facing intense debate and political pressure over the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim), who have traditionally been exempt from military service due to their dedication to Torah study. Attorney General Baharav-Miara and the IDF are pushing for stricter enforcement, including issuing draft notices to 54,000 ultra-Orthodox individuals and considering measures such as arrests for draft evaders, as the ongoing Gaza conflict has exacerbated troop shortages. Haredi leaders and parties strongly oppose these moves, condemning them as attacks on Torah study and warning of potential government resignations if exemptions are not preserved. A watered-down draft bill regulating yeshiva student conscription has been presented to Haredi representatives, causing friction with opposition lawmakers who demand an end to the exemptions. Reservists and other soldiers express frustration over the unequal burden of service, criticizing the exemption as unfair and inconsistent with Jewish historical values of defense and work. The Supreme Court has ruled the exemption unfair, fueling protests and political stalemate, with Prime Minister Netanyahu caught in the middle as he balances diplomatic obligations and coalition demands.