Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved a contentious plan to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military, a decision that threatens to deepen divisions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. The government, which includes two ultra-Orthodox parties, has historically exempted this group to allow them to continue their religious studies. However, the new move comes as Israel seeks to strengthen its military capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

The Defense Ministry announced that the initial phase involves screening and evaluating potential recruits from the ultra-Orthodox community, starting this month. This decision follows a recent ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court, which mandated the state to integrate ultra-Orthodox seminary students into the military, ending their long-standing exemption.

The issue has been a flashpoint in Israeli society, with protests from both sides intensifying the debate. While some Israelis argue that all citizens should share the burden of military service, particularly during times of conflict, ultra-Orthodox groups have vehemently opposed conscription, with some protesters declaring “death before conscription.”