"Netanyahu Plans to Draft Ultra-Orthodox into Israeli Military"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to end exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service, responding to political pressures threatening his coalition's stability. The Supreme Court voided a law exempting ultra-Orthodox men from the draft in 2018, and a government-issued stay on mandatory conscription expires in March. Ultra-Orthodox parties have been key to Netanyahu's parliamentary majority, but the issue of draft exemption has been a condition for their support. The exemptions have caused friction with more secular citizens, and the defense minister has pledged to veto any law allowing exemptions unless an agreement on ultra-Orthodox enlistment is reached.