Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right wing coalition narrowly escaped the opposition spearheaded attempt to dissolve the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) with a vote of 61 against and 53 in favor. The motion was driven by tensions over a contentious ultra orthodox military draft exemption law. Despite the victory, the deep cracks in the coalition’s stability are apparent.
The root of the crisis was the disagreements over military conscription for ultra orthodox (Haredim or god fearing) men. These men have long been exempt from mandatory conscription if studying full time in religious seminaries. With military service compulsory for most Jews, this exemption has been a bone of contention and fueled public resentment especially amid the ongoing Gaza war. Two ultra orthodox coalition partners, United Torah Judaism and Shas, threatened to support dissolution unless a draft exemption law was expedited. However, a last minute compromise not only delayed the vote but also persuaded most Haredi lawmakers to oppose the motion. Two coalition members, however, defected.
Netanyahu’s government is described as Israel’s most right wing and religiously conservative. It has faced a decline in popularity since October 2023 (Gaza conflict). Polls point to loss in case an election is held today. Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert believes Netanyahu is prolonging the Gaza conflict to cling to power and avoid accountability for security failures.
The opposition, led by Yesh Atid’s Yair Lapid seized the opportunity and monopolised public frustration but lacked the 61 votes needed to topple the government. Aviv Bushinsky, former aide to Netanyahu , suggested that the compromise buys time but fails to resolve the Haredi draft issue which has always been a persistent fault line. The coalition’s survival hinges on appeasing ultra orthodox allies while managing secular backlash.
