Aleppo International Airport has reopened for flights, signaling a recovery in Syria. In Israel, the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party pressures Prime Minister Netanyahu to pass a budget by offering military service exemptions. This internal conflict poses a risk of government collapse due to their conditional support, highlighting societal divisions over military obligations.
The reopening of Aleppo International Airport marks a significant step towards re-establishing domestic and international travel in Syria. Following years of conflict, the airport aims to boost economic activities and facilitate transportation for both citizens and tourists. This development comes amid ongoing efforts to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and enhance its connectivity with the outside world.
As the government prepares to pass its budget by the end of the month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from United Torah Judaism. This ultra-Orthodox party threatens to withdraw its support from the coalition unless a new law ensuring exemption from military service for religious students is enacted. The coalition requires these votes to pass the budget.
In a letter, party chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf and others affirmed their intent to vote against the budget if their demands are not met, stating, “If this matter is once again sidelined or delayed for any reason, we will not be able to continue as partners in the coalition.” The government’s inability to pass the necessary budget could lead to snap elections.
Predicting the outcome is complex; Netanyahu has historically managed coalition tensions adeptly. However, current ultra-Orthodox politicians seem less willing to compromise, potentially requiring Netanyahu to seek support from outside his coalition. Political analyst Mitchell Barak remarked that the Prime Minister may need to find a willing partner to avoid political fallout.
Military service in Israel is compulsory, but the ultra-Orthodox community has long been exempt due to their focus on religious study. This exemption, originally designed to accommodate a small population, now includes approximately 1.4 million Haredim, which accounts for about 14% of Israel’s population. The growth of this community has led to public frustration amongst those who fulfill military duties.
The Israeli Supreme Court declared the exemption unconstitutional in 2017, mandating the conscription of yeshiva students. Legal experts argue that reinstating this exemption would necessitate new legislation. Haredi community members express strong opposition to conscription, arguing that political motives, not genuine military needs, drive the debate over military service.
Resentment towards the exemption grows among lawmakers, especially amid ongoing military operations. Opposition member Elazar Stern highlighted the disconnect between military service realities and the Haredi perspective, underscoring the urgency for shared responsibility in defense.
Insular and religiously focused, the Haredim live within tightly-knit communities that prioritize religious schools over secular education. They maintain a distinct lifestyle, often shunning military service due to fears of losing their cultural identity. One prominent rabbi stated, “God does not want us to go, so we won’t go,” emphasizing their reluctance to participate in military activities.
To address participation, the Israeli military is working to create environments conducive to Haredi involvement, such as dedicated battalions for religious practices. Eyal Zamir, the new military chief of staff, reiterated the necessity for fair distribution of defense responsibilities during his inaugural remarks, advocating for greater inclusivity within the armed forces.
The reopening of Aleppo International Airport signifies an important milestone in Syria’s recovery, while Israel’s political landscape faces renewed challenges regarding military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. The United Torah Judaism party’s ultimatum places pressure on Netanyahu to negotiate terms for potential budget approval. Concurrently, the increasing resentment toward military duty exemptions highlights broader societal tensions within Israel, necessitating discussions around equitable military service responsibilities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
