Israeli Defense Minister Calls for Military Service of 'Ultra-Orthodox' Jews; Opposition Leader and War Cabinet Member Welcome the Proposal

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has called for the entire Israeli society, especially the ultra-Orthodox community, to be conscripted for military service. According to the Times of Israel, he expressed his request by referring to the 'national need' in the war. Benny Gantz, the Minister of the War Cabinet, also welcomed the Defense Minister's call for conscripting ultra-Orthodox Israelis and stated that his National Unity Party would collaborate with the Defense Minister to promote laws aimed at abolishing the general military exemptions that this group of Jews currently enjoys. For several decades, ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel have been almost entirely exempt from military service due to their time spent on religious studies. Gallant stated at a press conference, 'To achieve the goals of the war, to confront threats from Gaza, Lebanon, Judea, and Samaria (West Bank), and to prepare for emerging threats from the East, we need unity and participation in decision-making about our future.' He referred to the Israeli military's announced plans earlier this month to extend the service duration of soldiers, saying that extending the service period is 'a real national necessity.' Gallant noted that Israel is currently going through a wartime period that it has not witnessed in 75 years, and therefore is obliged to make agreements and decisions that have not been made in the past 75 years. The Israeli Defense Minister emphasized that the service of all sectors of Israeli society is crucial for victory in the war. Aside from Benny Gantz, opposition leader Yair Lapid also responded to Gallant, stating that his party would present a military service reform law next week, emphasizing, 'This law is equitable, efficient, and fair. All the [Likud] party needs to do is act like a Zionist party and vote for it. If we do not fight together, we cannot win together.' Israel has launched comprehensive attacks on Gaza with the aim of eradicating the military capabilities of these Iran-backed groups in the region following the terrorist attack on October 7 by Hamas and Islamic Jihad on southern Israel. The Palestinian Authority Minister stated that he does not expect a 'miracle' from the 'Moscow talks' to establish a unified government. The U.S. stated that reaching a 'temporary ceasefire' agreement between Israel and Hamas is 'doable.' The Israeli Defense Minister warned that the Islamic Republic and Hamas intend to execute 'the second part of the October 7 attack' during Ramadan. For the first time, the Israeli army targeted Hezbollah positions deep within Lebanese territory.