I went to a forum a couple of years ago, in which various members of the Jewish community debated whether to pull out of the Occupied Territories or not. There was such a split in opinion between the very religious Jews and the others. It seemed that the ultra orthodox were granted exemption from serving in the Israeli army some decades ago, out of respect for their role as keepers of the old religious tradition. They came forth and flourished - and many live as settlers in the occupied areas, in the hope that by living in these places, they will help bring to fruition the Biblical prophecy that the Messiah will return, once these places are inhabited by Jews.

The more secular population in Israel has greatly resented having to send their sons and daughters to risk their lives and fight in the army, to defend the fundamentalist religious Jews who are exempt from fighting, who live in the occupied areas. So what is happening now is a real battle between very religious Jews and more secular or conservative jews.