Netanyahu's partner in the Israeli government has withdrawn support, resulting in the loss of governmental alliance.
The Israeli government is currently navigating a significant political crisis, following the resignation of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The Shas party's decision to leave was prompted by the government's failure to pass a law exempting Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men from military service[1][2].
The Shas party, however, has chosen not to immediately trigger a government collapse, opting to remain in the coalition for the time being[1][3]. This decision leaves Netanyahu leading a minority government with only 49 lawmakers out of 120 in the Kesset[2]. Another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), has already left the coalition, further weakening Netanyahu's position[2][4].
The immediate future of the government is uncertain but not necessarily doomed. While the loss of both ultra-Orthodox parties could strip Netanyahu's coalition of its majority, it does not automatically trigger new elections[4]. The government could continue to function in a reduced capacity, especially during the upcoming Knesset recess, which starts on July 27 and lasts for three months[4].
Key factors affecting the future include coalition dynamics, political maneuvering, and election timing. The Shas party's decision to remain in the coalition could be crucial, as it might use its position as leverage rather than seeking immediate collapse[1][3]. The next few weeks will likely see intensive political negotiations, with Netanyahu trying to appease the ultra-Orthodox parties by revisiting the conscription law or offering concessions in other areas[4].
The timing and any potential alliance shifts will depend on the Knesset's schedule and the parties' strategic moves during the recess[4]. While elections are not guaranteed, ongoing instability could eventually force them. Many Israelis believe that a new government might be less accommodating to the interests of the ultra-Orthodox parties.
It is important to note that men in Israel are required to perform three years of military service, while women serve for two years. However, ultra-Orthodox women are only recruited on a voluntary basis, and most affected ultra-Orthodox men are currently ignoring draft notices from the army[5]. The army has repeatedly warned of a risk of a shortage of combat soldiers due to the debate over conscripting ultra-Orthodox men[6].
The debate over conscripting more ultra-Orthodox men for combat duty caused the collapse of the governing coalition in 2018[7]. Ultra-Orthodox Jews view military service as a threat to their religious lifestyle, while many Israelis feel that exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews are unfair given the long-standing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In conclusion, the Israeli government faces significant challenges but is not immediately at risk of collapse. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Netanyahu can stabilize the government or if new elections become unavoidable.
- The ongoing political crisis in the Israeli government, resulting from the Shas party's departure and the United Torah Judaism's previous exit, is primarily centered around policy-and-legislation issues, particularly the dispute over exempting Haredi men from military service.
- The immediate future of the Israeli government, as it navigates combat service conscription debates, is uncertain and may be influenced by coalition dynamics, political maneuvering, and election timing, with the Shas party's decision to remain in the coalition playing a crucial role.
