Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition faces a potential collapse next week. A significant coalition partner, Degel HaTorah, has suggested dissolving the parliament. This has fueled speculation that new national elections may occur in early September, according to Israeli media reports.
At the root of the crisis is Netanyahu’s refusal to push legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis from military service. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Netanyahu proposed tackling the exemption issue after elections, angering coalition partners. A public statement from Degel HaTorah expressed a loss of confidence in Netanyahu and called for parliament’s dissolution.
Military Draft Exemption Debate
The exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jews from Israel’s military has been contentious. While most Jewish Israelis are required to serve, young ultra-Orthodox individuals have been historically exempted to focus on religious studies. However, military demands, intensified by the Gaza conflict, have increased pressure on this community to enlist in the armed forces.
The Israeli Supreme Court ruled last year that ultra-Orthodox Jews must be drafted. Since then, Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox allies have lobbied for legislation to protect their community from the draft.
Political Maneuvering to Challenge Netanyahu
A vote on dissolving the parliament is scheduled for next week. Should parliament dissolve, new elections will be set within three months, with a legal deadline of October 27. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a right-wing politician, is polling as a top contender against Netanyahu, in alliance with centrist Yair Lapid.
If elections are indeed set, Netanyahu will continue as acting prime minister until a new government is established. He aims to secure another term during the upcoming elections.