Israel is currently facing a significant political upheaval as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government loses critical support from ultra-Orthodox parties. The departure of United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and the Shas party from the coalition stems from a contentious dispute over military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Historically, religious students have been exempt from the mandatory military service required of other Israeli men and women, a policy that has long sparked debate and division within the country.
The crisis was triggered by a Supreme Court ruling that declared the exemption unconstitutional, prompting the military to plan conscription orders for thousands of ultra-Orthodox individuals. This move has led to a backlash from religious parties, who argue that the conscription undermines the status of Torah scholars. In response, UTJ and Shas have withdrawn their support from Netanyahu's coalition, leaving his government with a precarious majority. The Shas party, while exiting, has indicated it does not wish to destabilize the government further, hoping to prevent premature elections.
The departure of these parties not only threatens Netanyahu's majority in the Knesset but also poses broader questions about the future of military exemptions and the influence of religious parties in Israeli politics. The opposition has criticized the situation, with calls for new elections and concerns about the government's ability to handle ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Gaza Strip. As Netanyahu navigates this political crisis, the outcome remains uncertain, with potential implications for both domestic policy and international relations.
