Could Israel’s SC ruling ending draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Israelis topple Netanyahu’s government?

Israel's Supreme Court ruling on ultra-Orthodox subsidies shakes Netanyahu's coalition, raising questions about its future amid Gaza war.

Israel's Supreme Court ruling curtailing subsidies for ultra-Orthodox men has rattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition and raised questions about its viability as the country presses on with the war in Gaza.

Mr. Netanyahu has until April 1 to present the court with a plan to dismantle what the Justices called a system that privileges the ultra-Orthodox at the expense of the secular Jewish public.

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If that plan alienates the ultra-Orthodox lawmakers on whose support he depends, his coalition could disintegrate and the country could be forced to hold new elections.

What did the country’s top court say? And, how will it impact Israeli politics? Here’s a breakdown of the decision.

Most Jewish men are required to serve nearly three years in the military, followed by years of reserve duty. Jewish women serve two mandatory years. However, the politically powerful ultra-Orthodox, who make up roughly 13% of Israeli society, have traditionally received exemptions while studying full-time in religious seminaries, or yeshivas.

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