Israel begins recruiting ultra-Orthodox Jewish students

The issue is particularly sensitive amid the war with Hamas in Gaza and other wars that have caused the greatest casualties for Israel in decades.

Police carry a protester in Bnei Brak, Israel on July 16, 2024. Photo: REUTERS

Israelis are required by law to serve in the army from age 18 for 24 to 32 months. However, members of the 21% Arab minority and ultra-Orthodox Jewish students have been exempted from military service for decades.

In June, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the Defense Ministry must end this longstanding exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jewish students, creating new political pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a statement from the Israeli military, starting Sunday "the process of issuing initial call-ups for the first wave of conscription" will begin ahead of the upcoming July recruitment cycle.

Small clashes broke out on Tuesday between ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters and police as dozens blocked a major Israeli highway but were quickly dispersed.

The issue has sparked protests from the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, which makes up 13% of Israel's 10 million population - a figure expected to reach 19% by 2035.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-bat-dau-tuyen-dung-sinh-vien-do-thai-chinh-thong-cuc-doan-vao-tuan-toi-post303734.html