Ultra-Orthodox Jews may lose exemption
By Ed Payne CNN
POSTED: 03:03 AM MDT Jul 08, 2013
(CNN) -
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet approved legislation on Sunday that could end the exemption ultra-Orthodox Jews get on military service.
The bill now goes to Israel's parliament, the Knesset, for consideration, the prime minister's office said.
"We will enact this change gradually while considering the special needs of the ultra-orthodox population," Netanyahu said. "Our objective is two-fold: Integrating young ultra-orthodox into IDF (the Isareli military) and national service and, no less important, integrating them into the labor force."
The bill would require the enlistment of the ultra-religious Haredim in the army. All other Jews in Israel are required to serve.
The Haredim, who make up approximately 10% of the country according to government figures, are the fastest growing segment of the population and constitute a powerful voting block in Israel's coalition government.
They have used this power to maintain government subsidies for working-age men to study the Torah full-time and protect the ability for ultra-orthodox Israelis to win easy exemptions from compulsory military service.
These arrangements have prompted a growing sense of resentment and anger among other Israelis.
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