In the midst of a prolonged war with Gaza, Israel is grappling with a contentious issue that threatens to undermine the stability of the government coalition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed new conscription law, aimed at increasing recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox community, has sparked division and public angst within the country.

The current draft exemption system allows ultra-Orthodox men studying full-time in religious seminaries to be exempted from mandatory military service, a practice that has infuriated the wider general public. The Supreme Court has deemed this arrangement discriminatory and has given the government until April 1 to present a bill, with a deadline of June 30 for its passage.

However, critics argue that Netanyahu's proposed law does not go far enough to address the issue. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and fellow War Cabinet member Benny Gantz, who is also Netanyahu's political rival, believe that the law should have stricter provisions to ensure greater participation from the ultra-Orthodox community. Gantz has even threatened to leave the Cabinet if the law is weakened or fails to pass on time.

The stakes are high for Netanyahu's government as the collapse of the three-member War Cabinet could imperil the country's stability during the ongoing conflict. Moreover, losing the support of the ultra-Orthodox parties would lead to a broader collapse of the government coalition, potentially forcing new elections – a situation the Likud party is ill-prepared for as they are currently trailing in opinion polls.

The debate over conscription has intensified public anger as thousands of Israeli soldiers have been activated and released from reserve duty due to the war effort. Calls for lengthening mandatory service have deepened frustration among the population, particularly among those who view military service as a crucial part of Israeli identity and national unity.

On one side, the ultra-Orthodox argue that integrating into the army threatens their long-standing way of life and that their devotion to upholding Jewish commandments provides a form of protection to Israel. In contrast, activists from groups such as Brothers in Arms, which represents reserve soldiers opposing Netanyahu, argue that there should be equal enforcement of the law and participation in the military.

The upcoming deadline for the conscription law has sparked protests, with clashes between the ultra-Orthodox and police highlighting the deep divide within Israeli society. While some citizens sympathize with the ultra-Orthodox stance, others berate them for benefiting from the army's protection without participating themselves.

The fate of the conscription law remains uncertain, but its implications are far-reaching. As the government faces this divisive issue, the stability of the coalition hangs in the balance, potentially leading to a new political landscape in Israel.