Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Party Quits Government Over Military Draft!
The Israeli political scene is shaking after the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) decided to leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition. The reason? A bitter dispute over a law that would end the exemption from mandatory military service for students of religious yeshiva schools.
Who’s Who in This Drama?
UTJ, holding 7 seats in the 120-member Knesset, was a key Netanyahu ally. Their departure leaves the Prime Minister with a razor-thin majority of just 61 lawmakers. Party leader Yitzhak Goldknopf resigned a month ago, and all UTJ members have now submitted their resignations in protest.
Why All the Fuss About Military Service?
Ultra-Orthodox students have enjoyed exemptions from military service for decades, but this practice is now under threat. Last year, Israel’s Supreme Court ordered the Defense Ministry to end this exemption and begin drafting these students, sparking outrage in religious circles.
Government on the Brink of Collapse
Netanyahu has been trying to broker a compromise, but coalition tensions have escalated. Some religious parties demand continued exemptions, while other coalition partners push for abolishing all exemptions. This issue is especially sensitive as Israel remains at war with Gaza, and the military is on high alert.
What’s Next?
It’s unclear if the other ultra-Orthodox party, Shas, will follow UTJ’s lead and leave the coalition, which would further destabilize the government. This political crisis comes at a critical time when Israel’s stability is paramount, and the draft dispute exposes deep societal divisions.
Bottom Line
Israel faces one of its toughest political challenges in recent memory. Will Netanyahu hold on to power, or will the ultra-Orthodox rebellion redraw the country’s political map? One thing’s for sure — the military and politics in Israel have never been this intertwined and explosive.
So, what do you think? Should religious students be exempt from military service, or is it time for change? Drop your thoughts below — let’s get this conversation rolling!
