What's happened
The Israeli Knesset has revived a contentious bill aimed at drafting ultra-Orthodox men into military service, lowering the exemption age from 26 to 21. This move comes amid ongoing debates about military conscription and public pressure for equal service obligations, particularly during the current conflict in Gaza.
What's behind the headline?
Legislative Context
- The revival of the bill follows a 63-57 vote in the Knesset, reflecting a procedural step to keep the issue within legislative control rather than judicial.
- The bill aims to gradually increase ultra-Orthodox conscription while lowering the exemption age, a significant shift in policy.
Political Implications
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition relies on ultra-Orthodox parties, complicating the legislative process.
- Opposition leaders have criticized the bill as a political maneuver that prioritizes coalition stability over military needs.
Social Impact
- The bill's passage could lead to greater integration of ultra-Orthodox individuals into Israeli society, potentially altering public perceptions and expectations of military service.
- However, critics argue that the bill does not go far enough to ensure meaningful conscription, raising concerns about fairness and equality in service obligations.
What the papers say
According to The Times of Israel, the Knesset's recent vote to revive the ultra-Orthodox draft bill has sparked significant debate, with opposition leader Yair Lapid calling it a 'despicable moment of humiliation' for the Knesset. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed concerns about the bill's implications for military readiness, stating that it engages in 'petty politics at the expense of the IDF.' In contrast, supporters within the coalition argue that the bill represents a necessary step towards addressing long-standing inequities in military service obligations. The Japan Times highlights the urgency of the situation, noting that the ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified calls for equal service among all segments of Israeli society.
How we got here
The issue of ultra-Orthodox military exemptions has been a longstanding controversy in Israel, with previous laws allowing blanket exemptions for yeshiva students. Recent court rulings have pressured the government to address this disparity, especially as military needs have intensified due to ongoing conflicts.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this bill for Israeli society?
- How has public opinion shifted regarding military service?
- What are the next steps for the legislation?
Common question
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The Knesset is the unicameral national legislature of Israel. As the legislative branch of the Israeli government, the Knesset passes all laws, elects the President and Prime Minister, approves the cabinet, and supervises the work of the government.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.