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IDF sends enlistment notices to ultra-Orthodox Jews
In Israel, the recently appointed defense minister, Yisrael Katz on Friday gave the go-ahead for 7,000 draft notices to be sent to ultra-Orthodox Jews, also known as Haredim,
calling them up for enlistment in the
Israel Defense Forces.
The move aims to “ease the burden on regular, career, and reserve soldiers,” a statement from the ministry said, adding that the military would provide support to the Haredim in “maintaining their religious lifestyle.”
The ultra-Orthodox population makes up more than 12% of the population and have lent crucial backing to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has promised them exemptions from military service. But Israel’s expanding wars have fueled demandsfrom across the domestic political spectrum for a change to the status quo, with the issue threatening to topple Netanyahu’s fragileruling coalition.
“Anyone required to enlist must receive an order. We are at war,” former army general Benny Gantz, said on X in a statement welcoming the move. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also offered his “respect” for the decision.
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https://archive.ph/2024.11.15-155312/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/11/15/israel-war-news-hamas-gaza-palestine/