Gallant approves 7,000 draft notices for ultra-Orthodox Jews

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved sending an additional 7,000 draft notices to members of the country’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.

Under long-standing political arrangements, ultra-Orthodox Jews had been exempt from military service, which is compulsory for most Jewish men and women. However, Israel’s Supreme Court in June ordered the government to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the army.

Gallant’s move raises tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes ultra-Orthodox parties who have demanded the exemptions continue.

The exemptions have created resentment among many in Israel. After more than a year of war, the Israeli military’s resources are strained, forcing reserve soldiers to serve multiple tours of duty. Anger has grown as hundreds of soldiers have been killed.

About 63,000 ultra-Orthodox students are eligible for enlistment. The army sent draft notices to 3,000 over the summer, but just a few hundred showed up for enlistment, according to Israeli media.

Israel’s Parliament is preparing to vote on bills this week dealing with financial subsidies for ultra-Orthodox Jews who refuse to serve in the military. Some members of Netanyahu’s coalition, including members of his own party, have said they plan to vote against the bill.