Protests flood the streets of Jerusalem after Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallantwould propose lifting the exemption from military service to 66,000 ultra-Orthodox youth, which would be equivalent to 5 reinforcement divisions within the army. Jews ultraorthodox They have even blocked a road in the Israeli city amid police charges. His motto is clear: “We prefer to die and not go to the army”.

In a press conference, Gallant was forceful: “Some They dedicate their lives to the study of the Torah“Without physical existence there is no spiritual existence.” An announcement that has provoked social anger.

Álvaro Argüelles from ‘El Orden Mundial’ has explained what the problem is: “This objection is really based on the fact that as ultra-Orthodox they must dedicate themselves to the study of the Torah completely, that is, all day and that therefore They are not available for these or other issues“, he indicated. Until now, they were free, and were not obligated like the rest of society.

Thus, as Alberto Priego, Comillas professor of International Relations at ICADE, has pointed out, “a From the age of 18, Jews, Circadians and Druze are obliged to do military service. Men do 3 years and women do 2.” He also adds that this sector of Israeli society “also they would become reservists until the age of 49 if the rule comes into force”.

The expert also explains that “the previous fall of the Netanyahu government was caused by the fact that the Minister of Defense created a legal provision so that the ultra-Orthodox could and had to attend compulsorily.” The decision would affect 13% of the population and could shake Netanyahu’s coalition government.