Jerusalem CNN —Israel’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the government to draft ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military, delivering a blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that has the potential to unravel his ruling coalition. Ultra-Orthodox Jews view religious study as fundamental to the preservation of Judaism, as important to Israel’s defense as the military. Netanyahu’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has publicly criticized Netanyahu’s attempt to exempt Haredi Jews. This is not the first time the Supreme Court has struck down the Haredi exemption. In 1998, the court told the government that allowing Haredim to get out of conscription violated equal protection principles.

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Persons: Jerusalem CNN —, Benjamin Netanyahu, “, Shas –, Yoav Gallant, Netanyahu’s, Haredim, Knessets Organizations: Jerusalem CNN, Jerusalem CNN — Israel’s, Israel Democracy Institute Locations: Jerusalem, Israel’s