Ultra-Orthodox community resists military service in Israel
UKPulse News Desk
The ultra-Orthodox community is resisting being drafted into the Israeli army, sparking controversy and protests.
- The ultra-Orthodox community makes up about 14% of the population in Israel.
- They are estimated to make up one-third of the Jewish Israeli population by 2050 if their numbers continue to grow at a similar rate.
- The government subsidizes the group with an estimated 35bn shekels (£8.4bn) per year
The ultra-Orthodox community in Israel is resisting being drafted into the army, sparking controversy and protests. The issue has become increasingly contentious as the country fights wars on several fronts, including the unresolved conflict against Hamas in Gaza.
According to polls, public support for conscripting the ultra-Orthodox surge throughout the war in Gaza. Many see it as a dereliction of responsibility by the Haredi community, made all the more galling by the fact that such a stance comes at the expense of taxpayers.
Why this matters: The issue is critical for Netanyahu and could have significant consequences at the polls.
What this means for you: If you're an Israeli citizen, this issue could affect your taxes and the country's military service policies.