Israel’s ‘Haredi’ parties call emergency meeting on court’s conscription ruling

Israel's ultra-orthodox parties will hold an emergency meeting at 2pm on Wednesday to discuss their response to the Supreme Court's ruling the previous day regarding the mass exemption of yeshiva youths from compulsory service in the IDF. The court said the exemption is discriminatory and unconstitutional, sparking outrage in the Haredi (ultra-religious) community. Interior Minister Arye Deri, head of the Shas party, claimed the ruling shows a major disconnect between the court and the Jewish people. In an interview on Wednesday morning, Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush from the United Torah Judaism party also denounced the decision, alleging the court is seizing authority in a manner similar to a military coup.