Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jul 18: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition is facing a major political crisis as its ultra-Orthodox allies – United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas – have announced plans to quit over the contentious military draft exemption issue, threatening the stability of his government.
The rift stems from a long-standing arrangement that exempts ultra-Orthodox men from Israel's mandatory military service, allowing them instead to study religious texts. But the Hamas attacks on October 7 and subsequent public pressure have changed the national mood. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled to end these exemptions, triggering fresh political tensions.
On Monday, UTJ lawmakers submitted their resignations, and Shas has warned it could follow suit unless the government enacts a new law protecting draft exemptions before the Knesset's winter session begins. The coalition, which holds 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset, risks slipping to a minority with just 50 if both parties exit.
Despite the chaos, early elections appear unlikely. The Knesset is due for a three-month recess starting July 27, giving Netanyahu time to negotiate behind closed doors and attempt to pacify his partners without facing immediate no-confidence motions.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid reacted sharply, calling the Netanyahu government "illegitimate" and unfit to make critical national decisions. “A minority government cannot send soldiers to war or decide the fate of Gaza or regional diplomacy. It cannot keep funnelling billions to the corrupt and draft dodgers at the expense of taxpayers,” he said, demanding fresh elections.
Netanyahu’s decade-long alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties has helped him cling to power, often trading subsidies and draft protections in exchange for political loyalty. But with war raging on multiple fronts and public sentiment shifting, analysts say Netanyahu may now be staring down the toughest political test of his career.
While elections are officially due in 2026, the current crisis could accelerate calls for a fresh mandate—especially if Netanyahu fails to appease his ultra-Orthodox allies without alienating his own Likud base and other partners.