The issue generated a huge debate between the different parties that make up the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had requested a fourth extension of this exemption, which was last renewed in June last year and which was due to expire next April.
The Israeli army has already begun calling up ultra-Orthodox Israelis for recruitment, following the end of their two-decade military exemption, which came into effect last Monday, the attorney general announced.
“As of April 1, 2024, there will be no source of authority for a general exemption from compulsory military service for students in yeshivas [instituições de ensino]and the defense establishment must act to recruit them for military service in accordance with the law,” wrote Gali Baharav-Miara in a letter to Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
According to Israeli media, some ultra-Orthodox students from yeshivas — there are currently around 63 thousand registered — they received an order in the last few days, known in Hebrew as Tzav Rishon, informing them that they must undergo a first evaluation.
It is not yet known whether the ultra-Orthodox will comply with the order, although many analysts consider it unlikely that the military police will arrest them to enforce their conscription.
The issue generated a huge debate between the different parties that make up the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had requested a fourth extension of this exemption, which was last renewed in June last year and which was due to expire next April.
Netanyahu took this step knowing that he depends on the vital support of the ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, with the capacity to overthrow the executive.
During these weeks, the debate also took to the streets, where families of soldiers organized protests to demand the end of this privilege that the ultra-Orthodox, who represent 13% of the population, have enjoyed for more than two decades.
