From Sunday, Israel's military will send out call-ups to ultra-orthodox Jewish men, the military announced in a statement.
This follows a legal dispute, which ended with the country's highest court ruling that the ultra-orthodox, who were previously exempt from conscription, must also undergo compulsory military service. The exemption was discriminatory, the court ruled.
The issue has been the subject of debate, particularly since the war in Gaza broke out on October 7, 2023, not least because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government relies on support from ultra-orthodox parties that have opposed changing the exemption system.
About 13 percent of Israel's population consists of ultra-orthodox. Instead of military service, the men have been allowed to study.
Israel's military motivates the decision with "increased operational needs" in the army. It does not mention how many religious men will be called up, or when they are expected to enlist.
In protest against the decision, several ultra-orthodox demonstrators took to the streets on Tuesday. In the city of Bnei Brak, where mostly orthodox Jews live, a highway has been blocked and demonstrators have, according to police, attacked and called police "Nazis", AFP reports.
