UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Israel’s ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, has just announced its exit from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, threatening to destabilize his rule amid escalating tensions in Gaza. This decision comes after a prolonged dispute over military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox seminary students, a contentious issue that divides many Israelis.
The party’s departure, confirmed earlier today, will take effect within 48 hours, potentially leaving Netanyahu with a razor-thin majority in parliament. This political upheaval occurs as Israel and Hamas are urgently seeking terms for a truce in the ongoing war, which has lasted for nearly 21 months.
As military demands grow, the exit of a key coalition partner could significantly impact Netanyahu’s ability to navigate the current crisis. While the party’s departure does not pose an immediate threat to his leadership, it increases reliance on two far-right parties within the government that are staunchly opposed to any concessions in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
Political analysts, including Shuki Friedman from the Jewish People Policy Institute, suggest that reconciling the differences between Netanyahu’s administration and United Torah Judaism in the short window available is unlikely. Friedman emphasized that the existing gaps between the proposed conscription law and the party’s demands are substantial.
“The ultra-Orthodox party’s exit has the potential to disrupt the coalition significantly, especially given the current military context,” Friedman stated.
Cabinet Minister Miki Zohar, representing Netanyahu’s Likud party, expressed hope that negotiations could revive the coalition partnership, saying, “God willing, everything will be fine.” However, with parliamentary procedures and a summer recess beginning later this month, Netanyahu faces time constraints to secure a compromise.
The ultra-Orthodox community has historically enjoyed exemptions from military service, unlike many other young Israelis, but a ruling from the Supreme Court last year mandated changes to this practice. Netanyahu has been under pressure to resolve the deadlock, which has escalated tensions within his coalition.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in Gaza complicates the situation further. As Israel considers a controversial proposal to relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to a small area in southern Gaza, the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough remains elusive. Both the United States and mediators from Egypt and Qatar are pushing for a ceasefire, but as of now, no significant progress has been reported.
With the clock ticking, the next 48 hours will be critical for Netanyahu as he navigates this political turbulence. The urgency of the situation is palpable, with implications that could reshape the Israeli political landscape during a time of war.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops, and keep an eye on how these political shifts may influence ongoing negotiations and military operations in the region.
