Netanyahu’s Government⁢ Survives No-Confidence Vote Amid Military draft Debate

⁤ Updated June 12,​ 2025
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Israeli Prime Minister ‍Benjamin⁤ Netanyahu’s ⁣coalition government weathered an opposition attempt to dissolve parliament Thursday, averting potential snap elections.The Knesset voted down⁣ the bill, with 61 ‌members opposed and 53 in favor.

The‌ opposition’s⁢ move aimed to‌ capitalize ‌on divisions​ within ‌Netanyahu’s coalition, specifically regarding exemptions​ from mandatory military service for the ultra-Orthodox community. ‌while⁢ the opposition primarily consists of centrist and leftist factions, they hoped to gain support from ultra-Orthodox parties, who ​were ‍reportedly frustrated with Netanyahu’s⁢ stance on the draft issue.

Despite earlier threats, most ultra-Orthodox politicians ultimately voted against the bill.‍ The opposition will now ‌have to wait six⁣ months before attempting another dissolution motion.

prior to the ⁤vote, Yuli Edelstein, ‍a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, announced an agreement on‌ the “principles” of a new conscription law, though ⁢he did not provide specific details.⁤ Edelstein‍ chairs the foreign affairs and ​defense⁣ committee and had⁣ previously⁢ proposed legislation to ⁢increase ultra-Orthodox conscription and strengthen penalties for those who⁢ refuse to serve.

“When coalitions begin to⁤ fall apart, they ​fall apart. It⁢ started ​and this is what ⁢it looks like when ‍a‌ government begins to​ collapse,” said opposition leader Yair Lapid.

Lapid argued that ultra-Orthodox parties chose to prioritize their exemption from military ‌service ⁢over ​their place in the government. Communications Minister⁢ shlomo Karhi countered, asserting that the⁤ coalition government remains “stronger than ever.”

Opposition leaders had⁤ previously‍ stated their ‍unanimous⁢ decision to prioritize the government’s “overthrow,” freezing other legislative activities. Netanyahu’s current coalition includes⁢ two ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas⁣ and united ⁤Torah Judaism, whose ​potential defection had threatened the government’s stability.

Military service‌ is generally mandatory⁤ in Israel. Though, as⁢ the country’s founding, exemptions have been granted to‌ ultra-Orthodox men engaged in full-time ​religious ​study. This long-standing arrangement has faced increasing scrutiny, notably amid ongoing military needs.

The‍ debate ⁤over these ‍exemptions has intensified during the‌ nearly 20-month war in⁤ Gaza, ‌as the military ⁢seeks additional personnel. Netanyahu faces⁢ pressure from​ within his own Likud party to increase ultra-Orthodox conscription, a move opposed by ​parties like Shas, which advocate for permanent exemptions.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that bringing down the government during ⁤wartime would pose “an existential danger” to⁤ Israel’s future.

What’s next

Negotiations within Netanyahu’s ‌coalition are expected to continue as leaders seek to bridge‌ the divide over ⁣military draft exemptions and maintain‌ government stability.