Israeli Coalition Faces Crisis as United Torah Judaism Exits Over Military Service Dispute

On Monday evening, the Israeli political landscape shifted dramatically as the United Torah Judaism party announced its departure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government coalition. This decision stems from deep-seated disagreements over a contentious bill concerning military service, an issue that has long been a flashpoint in Israeli politics. United Torah Judaism, representing the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, holds two ministerial positions and seven seats in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. With their exit, Netanyahu's parliamentary majority will dwindle to a precarious 61 seats out of 120, posing a significant challenge for the Prime Minister in maintaining his government. Adding to Netanyahu's woes is the potential for Shas, another influential party within the ultra-Orthodox sphere and a close ally to United Torah Judaism, to also withdraw from the coalition. Such a move could further destabilize the government and propel Israel into a more uncertain political environment. However, Netanyahu is not without options as the parliamentary summer recess approaches, set to begin at the end of July. This lull may afford him the necessary time to negotiate a compromise with the dissenting parties. The root of the conflict lies in military service, a fundamental aspect of Israeli civic life. Since the age of 18, Israeli citizens are mandated to serve in the military—around three years for men and two for women—followed by registration in the reserve forces. This system is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of the Israeli Defense Forces, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts, such as the recent escalations in the Gaza Strip. However, most ultra-Orthodox Jews are exempt from this requirement, a concession made by former Prime Minister David Ben Gurion in 1948 based on religious considerations. The United Torah Judaism party aims to enshrine this exemption into law, yet this demand faces substantial opposition within wider Israeli society, where calls for the ultra-Orthodox community to contribute to national defense are growing louder. As the political drama unfolds, discussions are ongoing within the Knesset regarding the drafting of a law that could potentially appease the ultra-Orthodox parties while addressing societal concerns. However, as of now, no such legislation has been voted on, leaving the future of the coalition—and by extension, Netanyahu’s premiership—hanging in the balance. The exit of United Torah Judaism has undoubtedly marked a pivotal moment in Israeli politics, raising questions about the sustainability of Netanyahu's government and the potential for further fragmentation among coalition partners. As the deadline for negotiations looms and the stakes grow higher, all eyes will be on how Netanyahu navigates this political quagmire. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2