Gallant approves plan to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox into Israeli military

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has approved a plan to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military.

Israel's far-right coalition government relies on two ultra-Orthodox parties, whose leaders are fiercely opposed to conscription.

Israel's army is attempting to bolster its ranks as it's war on Gaza enters its tenth month. 

Following talks with senior military officials, Gallant approved their recommendations for first call-up of ultra-Orthodox men into the military over the coming month, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.

The order is for an initial screening and evaluation to determine potential recruits, it said.

Israelis are bound by law to serve in the country's military for between  24 and 32 months. Palestinian citizens of Israel are mostly exempt, while ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students have also been largely exempt.

Israel's Supreme Court ruled last month that the country must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students.

In recent months, ultra-Orthodox protesters have blocked roads and used the slogan "death before conscription".