Israel is facing a major political crisis over plans to draft ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the army. The government is debating a bill to end a decades-old exemption for religious students. This exemption began in 1948 but was ruled illegal years ago. Despite draft notices sent to 24,000 ultra-Orthodox men last year, only about 1,200 joined the army. The issue has sparked protests by tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox in Jerusalem and violent clashes, including attacks on police and politicians. Ultra-Orthodox leaders say studying Torah protects the nation as much as soldiers do. Rabbi Tzemach Mazuz of a Bnei Brak yeshiva said, "By studying Torah, we protect the soldiers wherever they are. This is our army." Public opinion in Israel is shifting. A recent poll found 85% of non-ultra-Orthodox Jews support strict penalties for those who avoid the draft. Many feel it is unfair that some do not serve while others fight in the war. A soldier said, "There are people who live in this country without giving anything back." The ultra-Orthodox population now makes up 14% of Israel, much higher than in the past. Their political parties have blocked past military draft efforts and are key allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He promised to draft 10,000 students in two years, calling it "a real revolution." However, lawmakers disagree about how tough the new draft bill should be. Some say the current draft text is too soft, allowing many exemptions. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the bill "a disgrace" and vowed to stop it. Even within Netanyahu’s party, some reject the bill. The ultra-Orthodox community is torn but may accept the bill to keep Netanyahu’s government stable. Rabbi Mazuz said, "The world is guided by God... We will get through this too. But I hope we don't get to that." The conscription debate reveals deep conflicts over Israeli identity and the role of religion in the state. For now, Israel stands at a crossroads, with its future tied to the fate of this draft law.