Israel torn by debate over draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox
July 09, 2012
Q: The Israel's government is struggling to replace a law that gives draft exemptions and subsidies to thousands of ultra-Orthodox religious scholars. The nation's top court ruled the old law illegal and set an Aug. 1 deadline to replace it. Many secular Jews are demanding an end to the exemptions. Where is Israel on this map?
Circle the area on this map
Q: Ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredim, comprise less than 10 percent of Israel's population but they have often controlled the balance of power between Israel's major political parties. What system of government does Israel have?
A. Democratic theocracy
B. Federal republic
C. Constitutional monarchy
D. Parliamentary democracy
Q: Other than Haredim, all Jewish males must perform three years of compulsory service when they turn 18. Israel spends 7.3 percent of its gross domestic product on its military, but its eastern neighbor spends 8.6 percent. Which nation lies on Israel's eastern border?
A. Egypt
B. Jordan
C. Lebanon
D. Saudi Arabia
Q: Since its founding as a Jewish homeland in 1948, Israel has had repeated wars and conflicts with its Arab neighbors. The 22 nations and territories in the region's Arab League have 340 million people. How many Jews live in Israel?
A. More than 20 million
B. 13.4 million
C. 7.8 million
D. Less than 6 million
Q: Israel is believed to have anywhere from 75 to 400 nuclear warheads with the ability to deliver them by missile, aircraft and submarine. While not admitting it has nuclear weapons, Israel has aggressively tried to prevent hostile nations in the region from gaining nuclear arms. Which nation did Israel bomb in 1981 to destroy a nuclear breeder reactor?
A. Iraq
B. Iran
C. Syria
D. Egypt
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