Israel's genocide in Gaza: Why are ultra-Orthodox Jews against conscription?

Israel’s war on Gaza during the past two years, along with its assaults on the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and Syria, has left its military overstretched.

While most Jewish men and women are expected to serve at least two years in the army, one group has always been exempt - ultra-Orthodox Jews, also known as the Haredim.

In June 2024, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled they could be conscripted, leading to mass opposition from the Haredim.

Last month, hundreds of thousands of Haredi men filled Jerusalem with one of the largest ultra-Orthodox demonstrations in years.

The opposition is bad for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on ultra-Orthodox parties in his governing coalition.

Read more: Israel's genocide in Gaza: Why are ultra-Orthodox Jews against conscription?