Netanyahu’s Government on Brink: Ultra-Orthodox Exodus Threatens Stability and Gaza Ceasefire Efforts
Netanyahu’s Government on Brink: Ultra-Orthodox Exodus Threatens Stability and Gaza Ceasefire Efforts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition faces its most severe challenge yet after a key ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), announced its withdrawal on Tuesday. This move, while not immediately toppling the government, pushes Netanyahu’s ruling bloc to a razor-thin 61-seat majority in the 120-member parliament, significantly increasing its fragility and complicating ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
The departure stems from a long-standing and deeply divisive issue: proposed legislation that would end broad military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox religious students. With military service compulsory for most Jewish Israelis, and demand for manpower soaring amidst nearly two years of war in Gaza, the exemptions have become a flashpoint. UTJ’s two factions cited disagreements over the draft law as their reason for leaving, with their resignations slated to become official in 48 hours.
Political analysts warn that the situation is more serious than ever. Without UTJ, Netanyahu’s government becomes highly susceptible to pressure from other coalition elements, particularly far-right parties staunchly opposed to ending the Gaza war. This political shake-up is expected to make Netanyahu’s position on concessions to Hamas in ceasefire talks even more precarious. A second ultra-Orthodox party is reportedly also considering an exit, which would plunge Netanyahu into a minority government, likely triggering early elections.
While Netanyahu has a 48-hour window to seek a compromise, finding a solution acceptable to both the ultra-Orthodox and the Supreme Court, which has deemed the old exemption system discriminatory, will be challenging. The crisis unfolds amidst intense international pressure for a Gaza ceasefire and could force Netanyahu to balance domestic political survival with critical diplomatic and security imperatives.
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