Tens of thousands of demonstrators in Jerusalem on Sunday met protests against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service.
Protest organizations outside of parliament organized the rally in favor of a new election to replace the government.
Protesters additionally advocate for a fairer distribution of the arduous military service that binds the majority of Israelis. Since October 7 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, approximately 600 soldiers have lost their lives, the highest number of casualties in years for the military.
This government is a complete and utter failure, they will lead us into the abyss.
74-year-old Nurit Robinson, at the rally
Excemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students from conscript military service in Israel have become a more contentious issue in society as a result of Israel’s war in the Palestinian enclave.
In what appeared to be an accommodation, the Supreme Court extended until April 30 the deadline for government officials to submit additional arguments in favor of legislation aimed at resolving a decades-long impasse regarding the issue.
Netanyahu expressed assurance at a Jerusalem news conference that a resolution would be achieved. Additionally, he stated that holding an election during the height of the war, when Israel was so close to victory, would cause months of paralysis for the nation.