JERUSALEM (Israel) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile coalition narrowly escaped collapse. A crucial vote in the Knesset to dissolve parliament failed by a 61-53 margin. The vote, triggered by the growing crisis over military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews, could have forced early elections.
Knesset Vote: Netanyahu’s Coalition Holds
The Israeli opposition, led by centrist and left-wing parties, recently pushed forward a Knesset dispersal bill. Their objective was clear: dissolve the 120-member Israeli parliament and trigger early elections. Significantly, several ultra-Orthodox parties, frustrated over delays in passing a military draft exemption law, were poised to support the move.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, last-minute negotiations led by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein altered the outcome. He announced a preliminary agreement on the framework of a new draft law. As a result, several Haredi lawmakers changed course and backed the government.
“This deal gives us a framework to continue working toward a sustainable solution,” Edelstein said during the announcement.
Nevertheless, the long-standing issue of military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox remains unresolved. The compromise only delays a deeper political clash.
Military Draft Law: Public Anger Rising
In Israel, military service is mandatory for most Jewish citizens. However, ultra-Orthodox men have traditionally been exempt from conscription if they are enrolled full-time in yeshivas (religious seminaries).
Currently, this exemption is under intense public scrutiny — particularly due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Since the conflict began, more than 400 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives. Meanwhile, thousands of reservists continue to be called up, straining families and the broader workforce.
As a result, many Israelis — especially those who have served or lost loved ones — are increasingly outraged. They view the blanket exemption for ultra-Orthodox men as unjust and unsustainable, especially during wartime.
On the other hand, Haredi leaders strongly oppose conscription. They argue that Torah study is essential to the spiritual and moral fabric of the Jewish state. “Conscription threatens our way of life,” top rabbis warn repeatedly.
Moreover, they claim that military service would expose yeshiva students to secular influences, compromising their religious devotion.
Coalition Strains: Resignation and Infighting
The failed vote exposed rifts within Netanyahu’s coalition:
- Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf (UTJ) resigned in protest but stayed on as a Knesset member.
- Agudat Yisrael MKs split on the vote. Some supported the opposition.
- Shas, a more moderate religious party, pushed for compromise.
- Degel Hatorah, guided by influential rabbis, agreed to delay further action for one week — a move that likely saved the coalition.
As a result, the ruling bloc shrank from 68 to about 64-65 members. Political instability continues to loom.
Draft Bill Details: Symbolic or Substantial?
The draft bill includes:
- Annual quotas for Haredi enlistment.
- Sanctions for non-compliance: travel bans, blocked driver’s licenses, lost subsidies, and reduced tax credits.
Critics say these measures are weak. Most ultra-Orthodox students won’t feel the impact. And the army claims it can draft all 80,000 eligible Haredi men by 2026.
Opposition lawmakers and reservist groups slammed the deal. They warned it mirrors past failed attempts — including laws from 2002 and 2014 struck down as unequal.
No Elections for Six Months — But Uncertainty Remains
Under Knesset rules, no new dissolution bill can be proposed for the next six months. This gives Netanyahu breathing room. But polls show his government would likely lose in a snap election.
Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis, public trust in Netanyahu has eroded. The war in Gaza has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, displaced millions, and left 55 Israeli hostages still in captivity.
Opposition leaders like Merav Michaeli of the Labour Party demand change. “It’s time to end this harmful government and begin rebuilding Israel,” she said.
Conclusion: Fragile Government, Explosive Issue
Netanyahu’s government survived — for now. But the ultra-Orthodox draft issue remains explosive. The Gaza war continues to drain public morale. Anger over inequality and leadership failures is rising.
Unless a lasting draft law is passed, the coalition could fall before the six-month freeze ends. The coming weeks may determine the future of Netanyahu’s rule — and the direction of the Israeli state.
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