Israeli public divide on conscription becoming ‘deeper and deeper’

The Israeli government is currently deliberating the extension of an emergency law that postpones the retirement age for military reservists. This discussion coincides with a committee's examination of a proposal to enforce mandatory conscription for ultra-Orthodox religious students.

Meron Rapoport, an editor at the Israeli news outlet Local Call, informed Al Jazeera that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are facing a shortage of personnel. This shortage has been exacerbated by significant casualties sustained during the ongoing conflict in Gaza and cross-border skirmishes with Hezbollah.