In a groundbreaking ruling, Israel's Supreme Court has ordered the government to halt subsidies for many ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve in the military. This ruling could have significant implications for the government and the large number of religious men who have been exempted from mandatory military service.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now faces a critical challenge to his government's unity as tensions rise over military service. The ultra-Orthodox parties, which have been longstanding allies of Netanyahu, are demanding continued draft exemptions. On the other hand, the centrist members of the War Cabinet, both former military generals, argue for equal contribution from all sectors of society during the ongoing conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza.

If the ultra-Orthodox parties decide to withdraw from the government, it would force the country into new elections. This comes at a challenging time for Netanyahu, who currently lags behind in the polls amidst the ongoing war.

Under current regulations, most Jewish men are required to serve approximately three years in the military, followed by reserve duty. Jewish women have a mandatory service of two years. However, ultra-Orthodox men, who comprise around 13% of Israeli society, have historically received exemptions while studying full-time in religious seminaries. Moreover, they have also been entitled to government stipends until the age of 26, which has sparked public outrage.

These tensions between the general public and the ultra-Orthodox community have intensified during the almost six months of war, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of over 500 Israeli soldiers.

The Supreme Court's ruling is a major step towards equalizing the burden of military service in Israeli society. It has the potential to reshape the relationship between the government and the ultra-Orthodox community. As the implications of this landmark decision unfold, the future dynamics of Israeli politics and military conscription will be closely watched.