JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government in Israel is facing a significant challenge that could potentially lead to its downfall. Ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, key members of the coalition, are threatening to leave the government over proposed changes to the military conscription law. These parties are demanding exemptions from mandatory military service for their students, a long-standing point of contention in Israeli society.
The current law grants exemptions to full-time religious students, a practice that has been criticized by secular Israelis who argue it is unfair and places a disproportionate burden on them. Attempts to reform the law and reduce these exemptions have repeatedly failed due to political pressure from the ultra-Orthodox parties, who wield significant power in the Knesset.
Should the ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw their support, Netanyahu's coalition would lose its majority, triggering early elections. Such a scenario would plunge Israel into further political uncertainty at a time when the country is already grappling with numerous domestic and international challenges. Negotiations are ongoing to find a compromise, but the gap between the parties remains significant. The outcome of this dispute will have profound implications for the future of Israeli politics and the relationship between religious and secular communities.
Israeli Government Faces Crisis Over Military Draft Law
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing a potential crisis. Ultra-Orthodox parties are threatening to withdraw from the coalition government due to disagreements over mandatory military service. These religious parties are seeking exemptions from the draft for their students, which could lead to the government's collapse and early elections. The debate highlights long-standing tensions between religious and secular Israelis.