Story perspectives

Netanyahu Suspends Ultra-Orthodox Exemption Amid Wartime Budget Cuts

3/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suspended a bill exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service, citing wartime financial pressures.
Netanyahu and Smotrich said the defense budget must increase, with tens of billions of shekels allocated to military spending, funded by a 3% cut across all other ministries.
Smotrich noted that the war has temporarily set aside coalition disagreements, postponing discussions on reforms lacking broad consensus.

1 of 1

Story summary

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suspended a bill exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service, citing wartime financial pressures.
Netanyahu and Smotrich said the defense budget must increase, with tens of billions of shekels allocated to military spending, funded by a 3% cut across all other ministries.
Smotrich noted that the war has temporarily set aside coalition disagreements, postponing discussions on reforms lacking broad consensus.