Ultra-Orthodox military conscription divisive issue in Israeli government

Israel is considering extending the duration of military service for conscripts and raising the age for reservists, as the country approaches six months since the Hamas attacks in Gaza. This proposal comes after decades of exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, also known as Haredi, who have been allowed to continue full-time Torah study instead of serving in the military. Gideon Saar, leader of a small Israeli right-wing party, has announced his departure from the ruling coalition due to his unsuccessful bid for a seat in the war cabinet. The Israeli Supreme Court has given the government until the end of March to explain why there is no legislation regarding the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has expressed his opposition to the emerging proposal.