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A gathering crisis over drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israel Defense Forces is threatening to undermine the administration and dividing the state.

Popular sentiment on the matter has changed profoundly in Israel following two years of hostilities, and this is now possibly the most divisive political risk facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Constitutional Conflict

Lawmakers are currently considering a proposal to end the special status granted to ultra-Orthodox men enrolled in Torah study, created when the modern Israel was declared in 1948.

The deferment was struck down by Israel's High Court of Justice in the early 2000s. Interim measures to maintain it were officially terminated by the bench last year, forcing the administration to start enlisting the community.

Roughly 24,000 draft notices were issued last year, but only around 1,200 men from the community reported for duty, according to military testimony presented to lawmakers.

Tensions Erupt Onto the Streets

Strains are boiling over onto the city centers, with lawmakers now discussing a new conscription law to require ultra-Orthodox men into army duty together with other Jewish citizens.

Two representatives were targeted this month by radical elements, who are enraged with the Knesset's deliberations of the bill.

In a recent incident, a special Border Police unit had to assist Military Police officers who were targeted by a large crowd of ultra-Orthodox protesters as they sought to apprehend a suspected draft-evader.

Such incidents have prompted the establishment of a new communication network called "Black Alert" to rapidly disseminate information through the religious sector and call out demonstrators to block enforcement from taking place.

"Israel is a Jewish nation," remarked one protester. "One cannot oppose the Jewish faith in a Jewish state. It is a contradiction."

A Realm Separate

Yet the changes blowing through Israel have failed to penetrate the confines of the Torah academy in Bnei Brak, an Haredi enclave on the fringes of Tel Aviv.

Within the study hall, young students sit in pairs to debate the Torah, their distinctive writing books contrasting with the rows of formal attire and head coverings.

"Visit in the early hours, and you will see a significant portion are studying Torah," the leader of the academy, Rabbi Tzemach Mazuz, explained. "By studying Torah, we safeguard the soldiers wherever they are. This constitutes our service."

Ultra-Orthodox believe that unceasing devotion and spiritual pursuit guard Israel's soldiers, and are as vital to its military success as its tanks and air force. This tenet was endorsed by previous governments in the past, he said, but he conceded that public attitudes are shifting.

Increasing Popular Demand

The ultra-Orthodox population has grown substantially its percentage of the nation's citizens over the past seven decades, and now constitutes around one in seven. What began as an exemption for several hundred religious students became, by the start of the recent conflict, a body of approximately 60,000 men not subject to the conscription.

Polling data suggest backing for ultra-Orthodox conscription is rising. Research in July found that a large majority of secular and traditional Jews - encompassing almost three-quarters in his own coalition allies - supported sanctions for those who ignored a draft order, with a solid consensus in supporting withdrawing benefits, travel documents, or the right to vote.

"It makes me feel there are people who live in this country without serving," one serviceman in Tel Aviv commented.

"I don't think, regardless of piety, [it] should be an reason not to go and serve your nation," said a Tel Aviv resident. "Being a native, I find it somewhat unreasonable that you want to avoid service just to engage in religious study all day."

Voices from Within Bnei Brak

Support for broadening conscription is also found among religious Jews not part of the ultra-Orthodox sector, like Dorit Barak, who resides close to the yeshiva and points to religious Zionists who do perform national service while also maintaining their faith.

"I'm very angry that ultra-Orthodox people don't perform military service," she said. "This creates inequality. I also believe in the Jewish law, but there's a teaching in Jewish tradition - 'Safra and Saifa' – it signifies the scripture and the defense together. That's the way forward, until the arrival of peace."

The resident maintains a local tribute in Bnei Brak to soldiers from the area, both from all backgrounds, who were killed in battle. Lines of faces {