Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community, known as the Haredim, has long been exempt from military service, a privilege that has sparked significant debate and legal challenges. On Tuesday, the High Court of Israel ruled that this exemption could no longer stand, mandating that Haredim must serve in the military like other Israeli citizens. Additionally, the court decided that the state could no longer fund ultra-Orthodox education services, a decision that has deeply impacted a community heavily reliant on such aid. This ruling comes after years of legal battles and societal pressure, particularly intensified by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the need for increased military manpower. The Haredim, who have traditionally prioritized religious education over military service, now face a critical juncture. The community’s leadership, though expecting the court’s decision, is frustrated by the outcome, especially given the current right-wing government’s inability to secure their interests. The ruling has also exacerbated tensions within the coalition government, as far-right parties, who advocate for military service, clash with the Haredim’s demands for exemption. Beyond military conscription, the Haredim are grappling with a potential budget crisis. The freeze on education funding threatens the very foundation of their society, which depends heavily on state support. This dual crisis of conscription and funding could lead to the dissolution of the government, as Haredi leaders struggle to navigate the political landscape. The ultra-Orthodox community, traditionally insular and focused on religious life, now finds itself at the center of Israel’s political debate, a position that is both unfamiliar and challenging. As the government and the Haredim seek a resolution, the broader Israeli public remains divided, with a growing consensus that the ultra-Orthodox must contribute to national defense. The outcome of this struggle will have profound implications for Israel’s social fabric and political stability.
分类： politics
-
Sudan crisis: Burhan and Hemedti – the two generals at the heart of the conflict
The streets of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, are now a battleground, echoing with explosions and shrouded in smoke. The country has plunged into chaos as two powerful generals, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), engage in a fierce struggle for supremacy. Once allies in the 2019 coup that ousted former dictator Omar al-Bashir, their rivalry now threatens to dismantle the nation. Their relationship dates back to the Darfur conflict, where both played pivotal roles in counter-insurgency operations. Hemedti, once a militia leader, rose to prominence by aligning with the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, while al-Burhan solidified his position within the SAF. Despite their past collaboration, tensions escalated after the 2021 military takeover, with al-Burhan accused of reinstating Bashir-era loyalists, prompting Hemedti’s dissent. Hemedti, often marginalized by Sudan’s elite, has sought to position himself as a national leader, advocating for democracy while consolidating power through his vast business empire. The current conflict centers on the integration of the RSF into the regular armed forces, a contentious issue that has reignited hostilities. As the fighting intensifies, civilians bear the brunt of the violence, and the future of Sudan hangs in the balance.
-
Australia vies for Pacific influence with new security deal
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the Pacific region, Australia has inked a comprehensive security agreement with Vanuatu, a small island nation in Oceania. This development comes amidst growing geopolitical competition with China, which has been actively seeking to expand its influence in the region. The newly signed pact encompasses a wide range of areas including humanitarian aid, disaster response, law enforcement, cyber security, defense, border security, and maritime safety. Although the full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of sovereign decisions in enhancing regional security during a press conference in Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital. Wong proudly declared Australia as Vanuatu’s principal security partner of choice. This agreement follows China’s recent security deal with the Solomon Islands, which has sparked concerns over potential military escalation in the South Pacific. China’s broader attempt to secure a sweeping regional agreement with ten Pacific nations, covering various sectors from security to fisheries, was met with resistance. Australia has been actively countering China’s influence through a series of diplomatic missions across the Pacific. Wong highlighted that the level of engagement and cooperation with Australia is a matter of individual choice for each Pacific nation. During her visit, Wong also participated in the handover of a new wharf and a police boat, both funded under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program. The delegation’s next stops include Palau and Micronesia, with Palau being one of the few nations maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan rather than China. Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. acknowledged the significant Chinese investment in his country but reiterated Palau’s stance of maintaining friendly relations with all nations without external pressure. Whipps also praised Australia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030, though he urged for a more ambitious target of 50%. Climate change remains a critical issue for many Pacific nations, with rising sea levels and severe weather posing existential threats to low-lying islands.
-
Horse trainer, wheelchair athlete to attend royal funeral
CANBERRA, Australia — In a significant gesture of inclusivity, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed on Tuesday that his official delegation to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will feature a diverse group of individuals, including racehorse trainer Chris Waller and wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott. These two prominent figures are part of a contingent of 10 ‘everyday Australians’ selected to represent the nation at the state funeral scheduled for Monday at Westminster Abbey in London. Albanese emphasized that the inclusion of these citizens was a specific request from the British royal family, aiming to honor individuals who have made substantial contributions to their local communities.
-
Iranian press review: Venezuela part of ‘Axis of Resistance’, says Maduro
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has positioned his nation as a key member of the international ‘Axis of Resistance’ during his official visit to Tehran, calling for a unified front against United States and Israeli influence worldwide. The Iranian-coined term traditionally describes Shia forces opposing American and Israeli interests in the Middle East, but Maduro expanded its scope to encompass global anti-colonial movements.
Addressing audiences in the Iranian capital, Maduro declared that resistance movements now operate across Western Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He framed this alliance as a struggle against neoliberalism, racism, and multiple forms of colonialism—including political, economic, cultural, and cyber domains. The Venezuelan leader emphasized the movement’s goal of decolonizing minds and resisting imperial hegemony.
The visit yielded significant bilateral agreements, including a 20-year cooperation roadmap between Iran and Venezuela. Maduro recalled previous security collaboration, revealing that Iranian experts had assisted in repairing Venezuela’s electricity infrastructure following cyber-attacks, a effort coordinated after his meeting with the late IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to expand its international partnerships amid ongoing sanctions. Russian-Iranian relations have deepened since the Ukraine conflict began, with plans for a joint trade center (Nova-Pars) and enhanced cooperation in energy, manufacturing, and oil/gas equipment. A new Caspian Sea transportation corridor will connect Russia to the Persian Gulf, complemented by unprecedented shipbuilding knowledge transfers and parts manufacturing agreements.
Domestically, Iran faces mounting challenges. President Ebrahim Raisi’s directive to manufacture 72-seat aircraft—reportedly for religious symbolism—has drawn widespread public mockery given Iran’s aging fleet and aviation safety record. Critics highlight the administration’s previous unfulfilled promises regarding inflation control and COVID-19 vaccines.
Additionally, Iran’s healthcare system confronts a severe physician shortage despite medical school graduations. Approximately 20,000 trained doctors have abandoned clinical practice for higher-paying sectors including real estate, cryptocurrency trading, and beauty clinics, exacerbating the nation’s medical care crisis.