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- * A Ukrainian official, Ihor Sybiha, claims Russia has used the 9M729 missile (a ground-launched missile with a range of up to 2,500 km) against Ukraine 23...
- * Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israelis protested in jerusalem against a planned discussion in the Knesset (Israeli parliament) to end exemptions from military conscription for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva...
Summary of the News Article:
This article covers two main news stories:
1. Russia’s Use of Banned Missile in Ukraine:
* A Ukrainian official, Ihor Sybiha, claims Russia has used the 9M729 missile (a ground-launched missile with a range of up to 2,500 km) against Ukraine 23 times as August 2022, and twice in 2022.
* This missile is controversial because it led to the US withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, as it exceeds the treaty’s range limit.
* The Kremlin has previously denied these claims and deferred questions to the Defense Ministry.
* Sybiha criticized Russia’s use of the missile as a sign of disrespect towards the US and former President trump’s diplomatic efforts.
2. Protests in Israel over Military Conscription:
* Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israelis protested in jerusalem against a planned discussion in the Knesset (Israeli parliament) to end exemptions from military conscription for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.
* Currently, most Israeli citizens are required to serve at least two years in the military.
* The Supreme Court ruled in June 2024 that there is no legal basis for these exemptions, highlighting the inequality during Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
* This decision threatens to destabilize Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition goverment, which relies on support from various parties, including those representing the ultra-Orthodox community.