Ultra-Orthodox Jews become political football for Netanyahu
The Haredim, or ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, of Israel are threatening to dissolve the Knesset if the prime minister does not immediately pass laws reinstating their social privileges.
TL;DR
- Ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu pass laws to reinstate social privileges.
- They are threatening to dissolve the Knesset if Netanyahu does not advance legislation on Torah study and halt arrests of draft dodgers.
- A High Court ruling last year ended exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox men studying Torah.
- The ruling stated it was illegal for Haredi communities to have religious exemptions while others share the burden of conscription.
- Protests, including violent clashes with police, have occurred across Israel in response to the loss of these exemptions.
- A Ynet report suggests a deal may already be in place between Haredi parties and Netanyahu.
- Some members of Netanyahu's Likud party believe the Haredim are a 'danger to the future of the state of Israel.'