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The Government now only has the smallest possible parliamentary majority.
The Government now only has the smallest possible parliamentary majority.
What is happening?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition suffered a significant setback after the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party withdrew from the government.
According to Reuters, the move came amid deepening tensions over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox students, leaving Netanyahu with a razor-thin majority in the Knesset.
UTJ Members Step Down Over Draft Dispute
Six UTJ lawmakers resigned from their roles in parliamentary committees and ministries, protesting the government’s failure to secure permanent draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox religious students.
Shas May Be Next to Leave
UTJ’s departure could soon be followed by Shas, another ultra-Orthodox party and close ally.
If Shas exits the coalition, Netanyahu would lose his parliamentary majority entirely, throwing his leadership into serious jeopardy.
A 48-Hour Countdown Begins
The UTJ’s resignation will take effect after a 48-hour waiting period, offering Netanyahu a brief window to negotiate a compromise and prevent a full-scale coalition collapse.
With parliament due for a summer recess at the end of July, he may still have time to buy political breathing room.
Ceasefire Talks Add to the Pressure
At the same time, Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure from within his coalition over ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
Talks in Qatar aim to halt the war in Gaza for 60 days, facilitate hostage releases, and deliver humanitarian aid to the devastated territory.
Far-Right Coalition Partners Oppose Ceasefire
Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are pushing for continued military action in Gaza.
Despite their objections, Netanyahu appears confident he has enough cabinet support to push through a ceasefire deal if an acceptable one emerges.
Netanyahu Still Has Options
According to Topaz Luk, a senior Netanyahu aide, the prime minister is well-positioned to move forward if a viable agreement is reached.
“As soon as the right deal is on the table, the prime minister will be able to pass it through,” Luk told Army Radio.
Gaza War Grinds On With Heavy Toll
The Gaza conflict, now nearing its 21st month, began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The assault killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 hostages taken.
In response, Israel launched a massive offensive, resulting in over 58,000 reported Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation.
Israel’s Military Feels the Strain
Israel has suffered its highest military losses in decades, with around 450 soldiers killed in Gaza.
The toll has intensified public scrutiny of military service policies, especially the long-standing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.
Military Draft Debate Reaches Boiling Point
The Israeli Supreme Court ruled last year to end the exemption system, forcing lawmakers to craft new legislation.
While most Israelis view universal conscription as a civic duty, ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that Torah study is a sacred calling.
