Israel begins recruiting ultra-Orthodox Jewish students

The issue is particularly sensitive in the context of 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, 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 army, 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