The row over military service that could shape Israel's future

Key Points:

• Tensions in Israel have escalated over the exemption of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men from mandatory military service, highlighted by recent protests and clashes with security forces, reflecting a deep societal divide.
• The ultra-Orthodox community, comprising about 14% of Israel's population and growing rapidly, traditionally focuses on religious study and has been exempt from conscription, but this is increasingly contested amid ongoing conflicts and national security concerns.
• Political parties representing the Haredi community, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas, have used their influence to resist changes to the draft exemption, making the issue a central and contentious point in the upcoming elections.
• Opposition parties and much of Israeli society support ending the exemption, viewing it as unfair, especially during times of war, which is weakening Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition that depends on Haredi party support.
• A new Haredi party proposes a compromise to integrate ultra-Orthodox men into the military while preserving their cultural identity, but entrenched positions and political dynamics make significant change unlikely in the near term.