Israel’s Military Issues Call-Up Notices to Ultra-Orthodox Community

Tensions Rise Between Religious and Secular Israelis

The Israeli military has issued call-up notices to more members of the ultra-Orthodox community, a move that may further inflame tensions between religious and secular Israelis. The notices were sent on Sunday, with 7,000 members of the community expected to receive them gradually over the coming days.

Supreme Court Ruling Leads to Policy Shift

In June, the Supreme Court ruled that the defense ministry could no longer grant blanket exemptions to Jewish seminary students from the conscript military. This arrangement had been in place since around the time of Israel’s establishment in 1948, when the number of ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, was tiny.

Military Aims to Bolster Forces

As Israel fights wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the defense ministry is seeking to bolster its forces. The move is seen as a way to increase the number of soldiers available to fight on the country’s southern and northern borders.

Community Leaders Oppose Policy Shift

Leaders of the ultra-Orthodox community are strongly opposed to the policy shift, saying that forcing seminary students to serve alongside secular Israelis, including women, risks destroying their identity as religious Jews. They argue that this could lead to a loss of faith and a breakdown in community cohesion.

Government Faces Pressure to Draft Ultra-Orthodox Members

The government is facing increasing pressure from Israeli reservists, many of whom have served for the majority of the past year, to draft ultra-Orthodox members. The reservists argue that it is unfair that they are shouldering the burden of military service while ultra-Orthodox men are exempt.

Rabbis Urge Refusal of Notices

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported on Sunday that some rabbis were urging those who received notices to refuse. This could lead to a confrontation between the ultra-Orthodox community and the government, which may have far-reaching consequences.

Conclusion

The call-up notices to the ultra-Orthodox community have the potential to further exacerbate tensions between religious and secular Israelis. The policy shift is seen as a way to increase the number of soldiers available to fight on the country’s southern and northern borders, but it is opposed by community leaders who argue that it risks destroying their identity as religious Jews.

FAQs

* What is the reason behind the call-up notices to the ultra-Orthodox community?
+ The notices are being issued to bolster the Israeli military’s forces as it fights wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
* Why has the Supreme Court ruled against blanket exemptions for Jewish seminary students?
+ The court has ruled that the defense ministry can no longer grant blanket exemptions to Jewish seminary students from the conscript military.
* How many ultra-Orthodox men are expected to receive call-up notices?
+ 7,000 ultra-Orthodox men are expected to receive call-up notices gradually over the coming days.
* What is the reaction of community leaders to the policy shift?
+ Leaders of the ultra-Orthodox community are strongly opposed to the policy shift, saying that it risks destroying their identity as religious Jews.