Netanyahu's Coalition Faces Crisis as Ultra-Orthodox Parties Withdraw Support
Israeli ultra-Orthodox parties’ revolt spoils Netanyahu’s re-election prospects

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is in jeopardy as ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw support over unfulfilled military service exemption promises. This internal conflict, alongside public discontent regarding military service, threatens Netanyahu's re-election prospects ahead of elections potentially moved to September 2023.
- 01Netanyahu's coalition lost its parliamentary majority after ultra-Orthodox parties withdrew support due to unmet promises regarding military service exemptions.
- 02The ultra-Orthodox community, representing about 13% of Israel's population, has historically received exemptions from military service, which has sparked widespread public anger.
- 03Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel criticized the ultra-Orthodox for attempting to 'extort' the coalition regarding the draft bill.
- 04The Israeli military is facing severe shortages, with less than 10% of ultra-Orthodox men enlisting each year despite a conscription requirement.
- 05The ultra-Orthodox parties currently hold 18 seats in the Knesset, making them crucial for any coalition to maintain a majority.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a significant threat to his political future as his coalition crumbles due to the withdrawal of support from ultra-Orthodox parties. This rift stems from Netanyahu's failure to deliver on promises to legalize military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, a longstanding issue that has ignited public anger. Following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and subsequent military engagements, many Israelis are frustrated with the ultra-Orthodox community's ability to avoid military service, which is seen as unfair amidst national security challenges. Netanyahu's coalition, which relies heavily on ultra-Orthodox support, has lost its parliamentary majority, prompting a vote to dissolve the Knesset and potentially move elections up to September 2023. The ultra-Orthodox community, comprising about 13% of Israel's population, traditionally receives exemptions if studying full-time in religious institutions, a policy dating back to the state’s founding in 1948. This has led to tensions as the military struggles with recruitment, with less than 10% of ultra-Orthodox men enlisting annually. The internal conflict within Netanyahu's coalition raises questions about his ability to secure re-election without alienating both his ultra-Orthodox allies and the broader public.
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The internal conflict within Netanyahu's coalition could lead to significant shifts in Israeli politics, affecting military recruitment and public sentiment towards ultra-Orthodox exemptions.
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