Jerusalem, 26 June 2024– Israel's Supreme Court has mandated that Orthodox Jewish youth must join the army, a landmark decision reported by the Washington Post and Al Jazeera on Tuesday, June 25. The ruling requires the preparation of a draft law, although its implementation faces potential challenges from two pro-Orthodox Jewish parties within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, which oppose the measure.

The issue of conscription has long been a contentious one in Israel. While military service is compulsory for all Israeli citizens, religious Haredi youths have traditionally been exempt. This exemption has sparked debate and division within the country for decades.

Earlier this month, the Israeli parliament witnessed heated debates over the proposed reforms to the conscription law. The new law aims to end the exemptions and mandate military service for Orthodox Jewish youth, aligning with a broader movement advocating for equality in national service.

Orthodox Jewish youth and their supporters argue that military service conflicts with their religious values and obligations. However, proponents of the new law assert that everyone should share the burden of national defense equally.

The Supreme Court's decision has ignited widespread public debate and is likely to lead to significant political maneuvering within Netanyahu's coalition. The outcome of this legal and political struggle will have far-reaching implications for Israeli society and its approach to military service.