Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s right-wing coalition has survived an opposition-backed bid to dissolve parliament after lawmakers reached a deal on mandatory military service. The bill, which would have led to an early election, was rejected by a majority of 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset, while 53 supported it.
Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein announced that an agreement had been reached on the principles of the draft law, stating, “I am pleased to announce that after long discussions we have reached agreements on the principles on which the draft law will be based.” This development came after Netanyahu’s government faced pressure from his own Likud party to draft more ultra-Orthodox men and impose penalties on dodgers.
The opposition had introduced the bill, hoping to force elections with the help of ultra-Orthodox parties angry at Netanyahu over the contentious issue of forcing religious seminary students of draft age to serve in the army. Labour’s opposition lawmaker Merav Michaeli emphasized the need for change, saying, “It’s more than ever urgent to replace Netanyahu’s government and specifically this toxic and harmful government.”
Netanyahu’s coalition partners, including ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ), had threatened to back the motion but ultimately voted against it. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich argued that bringing down the government during wartime would pose “an existential danger” to Israel’s future, telling parliament, “History will not forgive anyone who drags the state of Israel into elections during a war.” He added that there was a “national and security need” for ultra-Orthodox men to fight in the military.
The failed vote means the opposition will have to wait six months to submit another bill. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi responded, saying the coalition government was “moving forward” and “stronger than ever”.And this, to them is an indication of good governance.