JERUSALEM (AP) — Ultra-Orthodox parties inside Israel’s hardline government say they will oppose any new law that would apply Israel’s compulsory draft to ultra-Orthodox men.
Last week, Israel’s Supreme Court overturned a law that has helped tens of thousands of religious men avoid military service and pursue state-sponsored religious studies instead. That privilege has created widespread resentment among Israel’s secular majority.
But in a rare show of unity, ultra-Orthodox parties that belong to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government have joined ranks against any revisions that would expose their supporters to the draft.
As Netanyahu tries to find a new system, he could be forced to choose between religious and secular parties in his coalition.
