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Israel's IDF Draft Bill Stalls Amid Haredi Coalition Crisis

7/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Israel's haredi IDF draft bill hangs in the balance as ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw from the coalition. Yuli Edelstein, head of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, has stalled the draft amid political turmoil. Distrust in Prime Minister Netanyahu runs deep among haredi leaders, who insist on unconditional exemptions for yeshiva students to back any future government.

History

Historical Context

Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men have sparked ongoing tensions. The Tal Law of 2002 aimed to integrate yeshiva students into the IDF but faced backlash, leading to the 2022 statistic of 50% of haredi men not serving. The recent withdrawal of ultra-Orthodox parties from Netanyahu's coalition highlights persistent distrust and societal divisions.

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Story summary

Israel's haredi IDF draft bill hangs in the balance as ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw from the coalition. Yuli Edelstein, head of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, has stalled the draft amid political turmoil. Distrust in Prime Minister Netanyahu runs deep among haredi leaders, who insist on unconditional exemptions for yeshiva students to back any future government.

1 / 2