A religious party has officially exited Israel’s ruling coalition, sparking tensions over military service issues. This move leaves Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a precariously slim majority in parliament, yet he retains sufficient political backing to pursue a potential ceasefire in Gaza.
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In a decisive action, six members of United Torah Judaism (UTJ) submitted their letters of resignation from various parliamentary committees and government ministries. Their departure stems from frustrations regarding lawmakers’ inability to secure future exemptions from military conscription for ultra-Orthodox religious students. As the UTJ lawmakers stated, “Our commitment to our community requires us to take a stand for our beliefs.”
Shas, another ultra-Orthodox party closely aligned with UTJ, may also consider leaving the coalition, which could further strip the government of its parliamentary majority.
The UTJ lawmakers indicated that their resignation will take effect in 48 hours, granting Mr. Netanyahu a brief window to address the ongoing crisis that has troubled his coalition for several months.
Beyond this internal strife, Mr. Netanyahu is also facing mounting pressure from far-right parties within his coalition concerning the ceasefire negotiations currently underway in Qatar. The indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas aim to establish a 60-day ceasefire, allowing for the release of half of the remaining hostages held by Hamas and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza.
This potential agreement could lead to further discussions aimed at ending the conflict altogether. Yet, prominent figures within the coalition, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, advocate for a continued military campaign. Despite their stance, a close aide to Mr. Netanyahu, Topaz Luk, emphasized, “Once the right deal is on the table, the prime minister will have the necessary cabinet support to move forward.”
As the conflict rages on, public sentiment in Israel is increasingly shaped by the accumulated toll of the 21-month war against Hamas. This escalation was triggered by a surprise attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in Israel’s deadliest day, with over 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken.
The subsequent military response has resulted in the deaths of more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, displacing nearly the entire population of Gaza and triggering a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. Moreover, Israel has suffered its highest military death toll in decades, with around 450 soldiers lost to combat in Gaza. This tragic loss further intensifies the contentious discussions surrounding the proposed conscription changes that lie at the heart of Mr. Netanyahu’s political turmoil.
For years, ultra-Orthodox seminary students have enjoyed exemptions from mandatory military service, a policy that has sparked anger among many Israelis who perceive an inequitable burden on the broader population who serve. Leaders within the ultra-Orthodox community argue that a dedication to studying sacred texts is vital, fearing that military service could detract from their religious commitments.
Following a Supreme Court ruling last year demanding an end to the exemption, parliament has been grappling with the challenge of crafting a new conscription bill that meets the demands of UTJ, yet progress remains elusive.
In the face of these multifaceted challenges, Netanyahu’s ability to navigate through the political labyrinth remains in the spotlight.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
