In a significant blow to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition government, Israel's Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of state subsidies for ultra-Orthodox Jews studying in religious schools called yeshivas instead of serving in the military. The court ruling comes as the government faces a looming April 1 deadline to agree on a new law regarding the drafting of ultra-Orthodox individuals.

The decision holds profound implications not only for Netanyahu's government but also for Israeli society at large. Ultra-Orthodox leaders view the ruling as a betrayal of the promises made by the prime minister, including financial aid and military exemptions in exchange for their political support. This issue has been a long-standing battle that touches the core of Israel's identity and has been intensified by the country's manpower needs during the conflict with Hamas.

The practice of granting military exemptions to ultra-Orthodox Jews dates back to the early days of the Israeli state. However, over time, the number of individuals qualifying for exemptions has dramatically increased, and today, the ultra-Orthodox community comprises 13 percent of the population. Their political parties have played a crucial role in Netanyahu's successive governments, making their support essential for his political survival.

This ongoing dispute highlights a fundamental tension within modern Israel, particularly as Israeli soldiers continue to fight and lose their lives in the protracted conflict with Hamas. While many ultra-Orthodox individuals view military conscription as a threat to their way of life, a growing number of Israeli citizens believe that all members of society should contribute equally to the nation's defense. According to a survey by the Israel Democracy Institute, 70 percent of Israeli Jews support ending blanket military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.

Reacting to the court ruling, Aryeh Deri, the leader of the ultra-Orthodox political party Shas, described it as undermining the Jewish identity of the State of Israel and accused the judges of creating internal divisions. If the ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw from the coalition in protest, it could potentially trigger early elections at a time when Netanyahu's popularity is at a low point and his security credentials have been challenged since the Hamas attack on October 7.

The ongoing conflict with Hamas has heightened the need for an increased number of soldiers in Israel. Experts suggest three potential solutions to meet this demand: extending the length of service for draftees, lengthening the duty performed by reserves, or having more ultra-Orthodox individuals serve in the military. The latter option has become a contentious issue because, as Gilad Malach from the Israel Democracy Institute argues, it seems unfair for some individuals to sacrifice their lives while others are exempt.

Netanyahu had requested a 30-day extension from the court to devise a new conscription law before current exemptions expired. Although this request was unsuccessful, the Attorney General left room for a transition period during which financial sanctions would be frozen, potentially postponing a final decision on the matter for months.

While this temporary leeway may hold the coalition together for now, tensions remain high. Tzippy Yarom-Diskind, a correspondent for the Haredi newspaper Mishpacha, describes the court ruling as a major earthquake, as it challenges the state's support for those studying religious texts. Behind the scenes, the ultra-Orthodox parties still hope to negotiate a resolution, but the possibility of early elections looms if an agreement cannot be reached.

The conscription exemption issue has become a central and volatile topic in Israeli politics. Its resolution, or lack thereof, will not only shape the future of Israel's government but also has the potential to impact the fabric of Israeli society itself. As the situation continues to unfold, the question remains whether Israel can navigate this crisis without disintegrating as a state and society.