Israeli Military to Begin Drafting Ultra-Orthodox Jews on July 21

The Israeli military will begin issuing its first round of military draft notices to members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community on Sunday, July 21. The draft notices come after the Israeli Supreme Court ruled in June that the country’s compulsory military service requirements should extend to all members of Israeli society. The ultra-Orthodox Haredi community had enjoyed a full exemption from the military service laws prior to the high court’s June 25 ruling. Leaders within the Haredi community contend that religious study is of equal importance to the country as military service and that their generations-old way of life will be threatened if their followers serve in the army. However, the Israeli Supreme Court deemed military service exemptions for the Haredi community to be discriminatory and said the exemptions could strain military manpower during periods of prolonged conflict....