Israel’s fragile right-wing coalition government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is currently on the verge of major turmoil. United Torah Judaism or the UTJ, an uber Orthodox coalition partner, has threatened to withdraw from the coalition and support an opposition motion to dissolve the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. The motion, tabled by the opposition party Yesh Atid for voting scheduled on the 11th of June, could set in motion early elections if passed thereby destabilizing Netanyahu’s government. Netanyahu’s government holds a slim 8 seat majority in the 120 seat parliament.
The discontent stems from a controversial dispute over military conscription exemptions for ultra Orthodox men. The conscription crisis has been a long standing issue in Israeli politics. The UTJ alongwith coalition partner Shas, collectively hold18 seats. They demanded a last minute concession to formalize the exemptions. A spokesperson for UTJ leader Yitzhak Goldknopf has stated that the party would back the dissolution motion unless the legislation is passed, creating intense pressure on Netanyahu. This threat follows tensions like the brief resignation of far right politician and lawyer Itamar Ben-Gvir in January over a Gaza ceasefire deal, although the situation blew over as he later rejoined.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, head of Yesh Atid meanwhile has seized the opportunity to challenge Netanyahu’s leadership. He is banking on public discontent over the ongoing war in Gaza (since 2023). Polls bear witness to Netanyahu’s coalition being the likely loser in an immediate election as people are beyond frustrated with the government.
The dissolution motion will require a majority to pass, and Yesh Atid could withdraw it before June 11 if support delays. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has since maintained his silence on the matter. Trends, however, point towards Netanyahu’s inclination to offer concessions to appease UTJ, as the loss of their support could collapse the coalition.
