Major Shake-Up: Second Ultra-Orthodox Party Exits Netanyahu’s Government, Impacting Israel’s Political Landscape

The ultra-Orthodox Shas party has announced it will withdraw from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. This decision highlights ongoing tensions over military service exemptions for religious students.

Shas made it clear they could no longer be part of the coalition due to lawmakers’ failure to secure these exemptions. In their statement, they expressed deep disappointment about leaving the government but felt they had no choice.

This departure might leave Netanyahu’s coalition with just 50 out of 120 seats in the Knesset. While Shas will not actively work to bring down the government, their exit puts pressure on Netanyahu. The timing is critical as the Knesset prepares for a three-month recess, allowing Netanyahu little time to mend fences before legislative activities come to a halt.

Just a day before, another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), resigned for similar reasons. This situation has sparked public outrage, especially among those who feel that some groups bear a disproportionate burden of military service.

Historically, ultra-Orthodox students have been exempt from service to focus on religious studies, a practice that many Israelis view as unfair. Last year, the Israeli Supreme Court ordered an end to these exemptions, which has fueled more debate and contention.

Leaders within the ultra-Orthodox community argue that military service could divert young men from their faith. Religious Services Minister Michael Malkieli criticized recent actions by the military and legal authorities aimed at draft dodgers, calling them “cruel and criminal persecution” against yeshiva students. This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within the community about maintaining religious life amidst changing societal expectations.

Recent surveys indicate that nearly 70% of Israelis believe in equal military service obligations across all communities, showcasing a significant divide in public opinion. As these tensions unfold, Netanyahu faces rising challenges both from within his coalition and the public increasingly frustrated with perceived inequalities.

For further insights into this issue, you can explore reports by The Times of Israel and Haaretz.

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