In a significant development, the Israeli Supreme Court has heard the state's response to challenges regarding exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews from military conscription. This issue, which has long been a source of friction with more secular citizens, has been further intensified by the recent Gaza war.

The Supreme Court had voided a law in 2018 that exempted ultra-Orthodox men from military service if they chose to study in seminaries instead. However, the parliament failed to propose an alternative arrangement, and a government-ordered hold on mandatory mobilization for the ultra-Orthodox community expired in March.

As a result, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself in a race against time to reach a military service compromise with his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners in order to potentially preempt any ruling by the Supreme Court regarding the compulsory drafting of the fast-growing ultra-Orthodox minority.

The ongoing Gaza conflict and other related incidents of violence have led to the highest casualties among Israeli troops in decades. This has created resentment among many Israelis who feel that their fellow citizens should not be exempted from their share of the risks involved.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews argue that they have the right to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military for the standard three-year period. Some claim that their religious way of life would clash with the military environment, while others express ideological opposition to the liberal state.

Currently, the ultra-Orthodox population makes up 13% of Israel's total population, a number that is projected to reach 19% by 2035 due to their high birth rates. Economists argue that the exemption from military service keeps a significant number of them unnecessarily out of the workforce.

The government's lawyer, Doron Taubman, emphasized the importance of increasing ultra-Orthodox enlistment but acknowledged the concerns voiced by the community. He cited their fear of compromising their religious lifestyle and the potential impact on their Bible study.

The nine justices presiding over the case expressed the urgency of the situation, with Justice Noam Solberg stating, "We're not on quiet waters. We are at war, and the need (for military personnel) cries out."

The court's decision on this matter will have far-reaching implications for the future of Israel's military conscription policies as it pertains to the ultra-Orthodox community.