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Haredi exit from gov''t pushes Netanyahu forward in election polls

The political landscape in Israel is undergoing a significant shift as tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government intensify, particularly with the ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, parties threatening to exit the coalition. This potential departure stems from deep disagreements over military conscription policies, a long-standing issue in Israeli society that has now reached a critical juncture. The Haredi community's historical exemption from mandatory military service, rooted in their focus on religious study, has been a point of contention for decades. However, recent developments, including a Supreme Court ruling and growing public frustration amid ongoing security challenges, have brought this issue to the forefront of Israeli politics, placing immense pressure on Netanyahu's fragile coalition.

At the heart of the conflict is the question of equality in national service. Most Israeli citizens are required to serve in the military, a duty seen as a cornerstone of the country's defense and social fabric, especially in light of persistent regional threats. The Haredi community, however, has largely been exempt from this obligation, with many young men dedicating their lives to Torah study in yeshivas (religious seminaries) instead of enlisting. This exemption, originally granted in the early days of Israel's founding to preserve Jewish religious scholarship after the Holocaust, has grown increasingly controversial as the Haredi population has expanded significantly. Today, the community constitutes a substantial portion of the population, and their exemption is viewed by many Israelis as an unfair burden on the rest of society, particularly during times of heightened security needs, such as the ongoing conflicts with Hamas and other regional adversaries.

The immediate trigger for the current crisis is a Supreme Court decision that struck down the legal framework allowing for Haredi exemptions from military service. The court ruled that the government must either draft Haredi men or pass new legislation to formalize their exemption, emphasizing that the current system violates the principle of equality under the law. This ruling has placed Netanyahu in a precarious position, as his coalition relies heavily on the support of Haredi parties, such as United Torah Judaism and Shas, which hold significant sway in the Knesset. These parties have vehemently opposed any changes to the status quo, viewing military conscription as a threat to their religious way of life and the sanctity of Torah study. Their leaders have argued that forcing Haredi men into the army would disrupt their communities and undermine their spiritual mission, which they see as equally vital to Israel's survival as military defense.

For Netanyahu, the stakes could not be higher. His coalition, already a delicate balance of right-wing, religious, and nationalist factions, is at risk of collapse if the Haredi parties follow through on their threats to leave. Losing their support could strip him of the parliamentary majority needed to maintain power, potentially triggering early elections at a time when his political standing is already weakened by domestic criticism and international scrutiny over his handling of the Gaza conflict and other issues. Moreover, Netanyahu faces pressure from other coalition partners and the broader public, who are increasingly vocal about the need for shared responsibility in national defense. Many Israelis, including secular and moderate religious citizens, argue that the Haredi exemption is unsustainable, especially as the country grapples with manpower shortages in the military and reservist fatigue after prolonged periods of conflict.

The prime minister has attempted to navigate this minefield by proposing compromise legislation that would gradually integrate Haredi men into military or national service while offering exemptions or alternative roles for those deeply committed to religious study. However, this approach has satisfied neither side. Haredi leaders have rejected any form of mandatory service, insisting on preserving their autonomy and traditional way of life. Meanwhile, opposition parties and civil society groups have criticized the proposed measures as insufficient, arguing that they fail to address the fundamental inequality at the heart of the issue. Protests have erupted across the country, with activists and reservists demanding that the government enforce the court's ruling and ensure that all citizens contribute to the nation's defense.

Beyond the immediate political ramifications, the Haredi conscription debate touches on deeper questions about the identity and future of Israeli society. The tension between religious and secular values has long been a fault line in the country, and the current crisis underscores the challenges of balancing individual freedoms with collective responsibilities in a diverse democracy. For many Haredi Jews, their exemption from military service is not merely a privilege but a reflection of their unique role in preserving Jewish heritage and spirituality. They argue that their prayers and studies provide a form of spiritual protection for the nation, complementing the physical defense provided by the military. Critics, however, contend that this perspective is outdated in a modern state facing existential threats, where every citizen must share the burden of security.

The economic dimension of the issue further complicates the debate. Many Haredi men, due to their focus on religious study, do not participate in the workforce, relying instead on government subsidies and community support. This has led to accusations that the community places an undue financial strain on the state, exacerbating resentment among taxpayers who feel they are carrying a disproportionate load. Integrating Haredi men into military or national service could, in theory, pave the way for greater economic participation, as service often serves as a gateway to vocational training and employment. However, such integration would require significant cultural and logistical adjustments, as well as sensitivity to the community's religious practices and concerns about exposure to secular influences.

As the deadline for resolving the conscription issue looms, the potential exit of Haredi parties from the government looms large over Netanyahu's administration. If they withdraw, the coalition could crumble, forcing the prime minister to seek new allies or face the prospect of opposition-led governance. Even if a temporary resolution is reached, the underlying tensions are unlikely to dissipate, as the conscription debate encapsulates broader struggles over equality, religion, and national identity in Israel. For now, Netanyahu must tread carefully, balancing the demands of his coalition partners with the expectations of the public and the judiciary. His ability to broker a sustainable solution will not only determine the fate of his government but also shape the trajectory of Israeli society for years to come.

The crisis also has implications for Israel's international standing. At a time when the country is under scrutiny for its policies in Gaza and the West Bank, internal divisions over issues like Haredi conscription could weaken its ability to project unity and resolve in the face of external challenges. Allies and adversaries alike are watching closely to see how Netanyahu navigates this domestic storm, as the outcome could influence perceptions of Israel's stability and governance. For the Haredi community, the stakes are equally high, as their place in Israeli society and their ability to maintain their distinct way of life hang in the balance.

In conclusion, the potential exit of Haredi parties from Netanyahu's government represents a critical turning point in Israeli politics. The conscription issue, while seemingly narrow in scope, reflects broader societal divides that have simmered for decades. Whether through compromise, confrontation, or collapse, the resolution of this crisis will have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power in Israel, the relationship between state and religion, and the principle of shared sacrifice in a nation perpetually on guard. As events unfold, the world watches to see whether Netanyahu can hold his coalition together or if this longstanding issue will finally fracture the delicate alliances that sustain his rule.

Read the Full Jerusalem Post Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/haredi-exit-govt-pushes-netanyahu-111032780.html ]