Tensions rise inside Israeli coalition over compulsory military service law

Israeli media reported that ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, commonly referred to as the Haredim, informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they reject efforts to advance a compulsory military service law. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, representatives of the Haredi parties told Netanyahu and coalition officials that they do not trust the government to manage the legislation in a way acceptable to them. The report quoted them as saying: “We absolutely do not trust that you will introduce the compulsory military service law.” The dispute centres on proposals concerning mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews, an issue that has repeatedly caused political crises inside Israeli governments. Israeli media said it remains unclear whether the Haredi parties aim merely to block introduction of […]