Netanyahu Coalition Shaken: Orthodox Party Exits Over Conscription
Netanyahu’s Coalition Shaken as Ultra-Orthodox Party exits Amid Gaza war Stalemate
Tel Aviv – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces increased instability as the ultra-Orthodox alliance united Torah Judaism (UTJ) announced its withdrawal from the ruling coalition. The move, driven by a protracted dispute over military conscription exemptions for seminary students, threatens to further complicate Netanyahu’s leadership during the ongoing war in Gaza.UTJ’s departure, expected to take effect within 48 hours, will leave Netanyahu with a precarious parliamentary majority. This slim margin means his government could become more susceptible to the demands of its remaining far-right partners,who have also expressed opposition to any ceasefire terms that do not involve the complete dismantling of Hamas.
The core of the dispute lies in the failure to pass legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students from mandatory military service. This issue has long been a divisive point within Israeli society, notably as the demands on military manpower have intensified since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. While most Jewish Israelis are required to enlist, the ultra-Orthodox community has historically been granted exemptions, a privilege that has drawn increasing scrutiny and resentment.
The political upheaval occurs against a backdrop of stalled ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Despite significant pressure from the United States, Israel’s staunchest ally, and mediators Egypt and Qatar, a breakthrough remains elusive. Reports suggest that a proposal from the Israeli Defense Ministry to relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza to a heavily restricted zone may further jeopardize truce efforts.
Netanyahu’s office and the Defense Ministry have declined to comment on these reports. Another persistent obstacle in the truce talks is the question of whether the war will conclude as part of any agreement. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners have adamantly opposed ending the conflict while hamas remains a viable force.
While UTJ’s exit is not immediate, offering a potential window for Netanyahu to appease the party and retain its support, experts express skepticism. shuki Friedman, vice president of the Jewish People Policy Institute, noted that the significant gap between the current draft law and UTJ’s demands makes a compromise within the 48-hour timeframe unlikely.The departure of UTJ, a long-standing kingmaker in Israeli politics, underscores the deep divisions within the country and the mounting challenges facing Netanyahu’s leadership during this critical period.