Netanyahu's Coalition Shaken by Ultra-Orthodox Party's Exit Over Draft Law

TEL AVIV, Israel: An Israeli ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, which has been a key governing partner of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced early Tuesday that it was leaving the coalition government. This move threatens to destabilize Netanyahu’s leadership at a crucial time during the war in Gaza.

United Torah Judaism’s two factions decided to leave the government due to disagreements over a bill that would formalize broad military draft exemptions for their constituents, many of whom study Jewish texts instead of enlisting in the military. This issue has long divided Jewish Israelis, most of whom are required to enlist, and the rift has only deepened since the war in Gaza began, increasing demands on military manpower.

The Degel HaTorah faction stated, ”After the government repeatedly violated its commitments to ensure the status of Jewish seminary students,” its lawmakers announced ”their resignation from the coalition and the government.”

More from World

Is Trump bound by US Constitution? He says 'I don't know' amid tussle with judiciary Rishabh Pant's nightmare season sinks LSG further as Rs 27 crore gamble goes wrong

Although the departure of United Torah Judaism, a party that has historically played a significant role in Israeli politics, does not immediately threaten Netanyahu’s rule, it will take effect within 48 hours. This will leave Netanyahu with a slim majority in a government that may now rely more heavily on the support of two far-right parties. These parties oppose concessions in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas and have themselves quit or threatened to quit the government over moves to end or pause the war in Gaza.

The political shake-up occurs as Israel and Hamas are discussing the terms of a truce for the 21-month war in Gaza. Despite heavy pressure from the U.S., Israel’s top ally, and mediators Egypt and Qatar, there has been no breakthrough in the talks. A recurring sticking point is whether the war should end as part of any truce, with Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies opposing the end of the war while Hamas remains intact.

Impact Shorts

View All

House locked down over security breach, ‘phone’ thrown over security fence; Secret Service probes AI

Was Epstein a Mossad agent? 'Vicious wave of slander and lies,' says ex-Israeli PM

United Torah Judaism’s departure has a 48-hour window before becoming official, giving Netanyahu time to find ways to satisfy the party and bring it back into the coalition. However, Shuki Friedman, vice president of the Jewish People Policy Institute, noted that the gaps between the draft law currently on the table and the party’s demands are still wide, making a compromise unlikely within that time frame.

Friedman also mentioned that the party’s departure does not immediately put Netanyahu’s rule at risk. A vote to dissolve parliament, which would bring down the government and trigger new elections, cannot be brought by the opposition until the end of the year due to procedural reasons. Additionally, a summer recess for Parliament, beginning later this month and lasting until October, provides Netanyahu another opportunity to bridge the gaps and bring the party back into the coalition.

Cabinet Minister Miki Zohar, from Netanyahu’s Likud party, expressed hope that the party could be coaxed back into the coalition, saying, ”God willing, everything will be fine.”

A Likud spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

WHAT HAPPENED

An Israeli ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, announced early Tuesday that it is leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government. The departure is due to disagreements over a bill concerning military draft exemptions for their constituents. This move threatens to destabilize Netanyahu’s rule at a critical time during the war in Gaza, leaving him with a slim majority and potentially more reliant on far-right parties. The party’s departure will become official within 48 hours, giving Netanyahu a brief window to negotiate and possibly bring them back into the coalition.

TELL ME MORE

• United Torah Judaism is an ultra-Orthodox party that has historically played a significant role in Israeli coalition governments.

• The bill causing the rift aims to provide broad military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, a contentious issue in Israeli society.

• The departure of United Torah Judaism could force Netanyahu to rely more heavily on far-right parties, which have strong opinions on the Gaza conflict.

• The political instability comes at a critical time as Israel and Hamas are negotiating a truce for the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

• Netanyahu has a 48-hour window to negotiate and potentially bring United Torah Judaism back into the coalition before their departure becomes official.

THE VOICES

• “After the government repeatedly violated its commitments to ensure the status of Jewish seminary students,” said the Degel HaTorah faction.

• “Their resignation from the coalition and the government,” said the Degel HaTorah faction.

• “God willing, everything will be fine,” said Miki Zohar.

CONTEXT

Israel’s political landscape is often characterized by coalition governments, where multiple parties come together to form a majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has frequently relied on ultra-Orthodox parties, such as United Torah Judaism, to maintain his governing coalition. These parties often have specific demands, particularly regarding military draft exemptions for their constituents, who prioritize religious studies over military service.

The issue of military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews has been a contentious topic in Israel for many years. Most Jewish Israelis are required to serve in the military, and the exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox students have caused significant debate and division within Israeli society. This division has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has increased the demand for military personnel.

The current political tension comes at a critical time, as Israel is engaged in a prolonged conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The war has been ongoing for 21 months, and there are ongoing discussions about a potential truce. However, Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners are opposed to any ceasefire that would leave Hamas intact, complicating the negotiation process.

United Torah Judaism’s departure from the coalition threatens to destabilize Netanyahu’s government, although it does not immediately end his rule. The party’s exit leaves Netanyahu with a slim majority, making his government more dependent on far-right parties that have their own stringent demands. The situation remains fluid, with a 48-hour window for potential reconciliation and a summer recess providing additional time for negotiations.