Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition finds itself in peril as opposition parties push for a vote that could unravel his right-wing government, raising the possibility of early elections amid growing discontent.
The Crisis Looms: Netanyahu Faces Coalition Threat Over Military Draft Exemptions
The Crisis Looms: Netanyahu Faces Coalition Threat Over Military Draft Exemptions
Tensions rise as ultra-Orthodox factions within Israel’s government threaten to dissolve Parliament over military service exemptions for religious students.
As a pivotal vote approaches, Israel's opposition parties have signaled their intent to propose a motion to dissolve Parliament, marking a significant challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition. This political struggle has emerged amidst widespread public dissatisfaction and discontent stemming from longstanding debates over the controversial military draft exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox men engaged in religious studies.
If the opposition succeeds in passing their motion, it won’t immediately lead to the government's downfall, as the parliamentary votes and processes could stretch into months. However, the implications for Netanyahu's political capital could be severe. The ultra-Orthodox parties in his coalition, United Torah Judaism and Shas, remain locked in controversy over the proposed modifications to the exemption policy, previously a cornerstone of their support.
The recent escalation of tensions stems from Israel's war in Gaza, ignited by the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The urgency surrounding the issue, coupled with increasing public scrutiny, has caused friction within the governing coalition. United Torah Judaism has indicated that it may side with the opposition rather than endorse mandatory enlistment for religious students, a move that, if mirrored by Shas, could lead to a viable majority against Netanyahu's government.
Currently, Netanyahu's coalition holds 68 out of 120 seats in the Knesset, a significant majority. However, the ultra-Orthodox factions under his banners wield substantial influence that could tip the scales. The opposition hopes to capitalize on this discord to force Netanyahu into a corner, prioritizing not merely their military draft stance but also their goal of instigating new elections.
The political landscape could shift drastically if the motion passes, pushing the Knesset into a prolonged deliberative phase that could delay action for months. Analysts have indicated that such a move to dissolve Parliament, even if initially procedural, signals potential instability for Netanyahu's administration, potentially entering a phase defined by election strategizing.
The next scheduled election is set for October 2026, assuming the current coalition completes its term. However, as political analysts note, losing the vote in Parliament would cast doubts on Netanyahu's leadership and his capacity to manage the coalition effectively, igniting fears of a potentially turbulent political season for Israel.
