Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters caused disruptions in Jerusalem on Sunday, blocking roads as Israel's Supreme Court heard arguments in a significant case challenging the controversial system of exemptions from military service granted to the religious community. The court's decision, expected in the coming weeks, has the potential to divide the country and put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition at risk.

In Israel, most Jewish men and women are obligated to serve mandatory military service at the age of 18. However, the politically influential ultra-Orthodox community has historically received exemptions if they are engaged in full-time religious studies in seminaries. These exemptions have infuriated the wider public, particularly in light of the casualties suffered by hundreds of soldiers in the conflicts with Hamas.

During the proceedings on Sunday, government lawyers argued that forcing ultra-Orthodox men to enlist would "tear Israeli society apart." To offer an alternative approach, the court mulled over a suggestion to draft 3,000 ultra-Orthodox men annually, more than double the current levels but still less than 25% of their overall numbers.

In response to the protests, Israeli police intervened and cleared the demonstrators from the roads. Instances of brief blockades of the city's light rail resulted in forceful removals. Chanting slogans such as "to prison and not to the army," the protesters made their objections heard.

This legal battle stems from a previous court order in March, which mandated the end of government subsidies for many ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve in the army. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces a court-ordered deadline of June 30 to pass new legislation that would abolish the broad exemptions. However, as he depends on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties to sustain his government, any move to end the exemptions could lead to their departure, potentially triggering new elections.