Ultra-Orthodox Conscription Bill Reintroduced in Israeli Parliament

The Israeli Knesset has voted to revive a contentious bill that would allow ultra-Orthodox men to be drafted into the military. The bill, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was approved with 63 votes in favor and 57 against. However, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has criticized the bill for being too lenient. The majority of Israeli Jewish men are required to serve in the military, but ultra-Orthodox men have been exempted in order to pursue religious studies. This exemption has long been a source of controversy among secular Israelis who feel it is unfair that they must serve while others are not.