Ultra-Orthodox organizations and their supporters claim that forcing their men to join the military will end their generations-old way of life. Earlier Sunday, thousands of men crowded a circle and joined in large prayer. Some held signs criticizing the government, with one saying” not even one adult” may be drafted.
The ultra-Orthodox parties are significant members of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, and they have the power to impose new elections if they leave in opposition.
Party officials have never indicated their intention to leave the state. Doing so could be difficult, with Netanyahu’s government’s reputation lagging since the Oct 7 Hamas assault that sparked the battle.