Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students must be drafted into the military, a decision likely to shake Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.
The ruling challenges longstanding exemptions crucial to Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox coalition partners.
While ultra-Orthodox students have been largely exempt for decades, Israel’s armed forces require reinforcement because of involvement in multi-front conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Gaza City, killing at least 24 Palestinians, including a sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Strikes hit two schools and a house in the Shati refugee camp as Israeli tanks also advanced into western Rafah, destroying homes and piling more civilian casualties.
