In a significant development, the Ultra-Orthodox Shas party has announced its decision to leave the Israeli government, citing Conscription dispute over mandatory military service for religious students.
This move follows a similar decision by another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), which resigned from the government on Monday. Shas’ departure leaves Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a razor-thin majority in parliament.
The controversy revolves around the exemption of ultra-Orthodox seminary students from military service, a contentious issue in Israeli politics. While many Israelis are angered by what they perceive as an unfair burden carried by the mainstream who serve, ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that full-time devotion to holy scripture study is sacrosanct and fear their young men will steer away from religious life if drafted into the military. The Supreme Court ordered an end to the exemption last year, prompting parliament to work on a new conscription bill.
Shas representatives stated, “Shas representatives… find with a heavy heart that they cannot stay in the government and be a part of it.” Although Shas is leaving the cabinet, it will remain part of the parliamentary coalition, ensuring Netanyahu still holds a slim majority.
This decision comes as the parliament prepares for a three-month summer recess, giving Netanyahu several months to try and resolve the crisis. Religious Services Minister Michael Malkieli, a member of Shas, condemned the government’s actions, describing the pursuit of draft dodgers as “nothing less than cruel and criminal persecution against yeshiva students”.
The departure of Shas and UTJ may not lead to immediate elections or undermine efforts to secure a possible Gaza ceasefire. However, it may make Netanyahu more susceptible to the demands of his far-right coalition partners, who oppose ending the war while Hamas remains intact.
The crisis reflects deeper fissures within Israeli society, particularly between the secular majority and the insular ultra-Orthodox communities. Netanyahu’s government is caught between honoring coalition promises and addressing national defense needs.
The future of Netanyahu’s government remains uncertain, with potential early elections looming amid internal coalition tensions. The withdrawal of UTJ and Shas from the coalition highlights the challenges Netanyahu faces in balancing the demands of his coalition partners with the needs of the country. As Israel navigates these complex waters, observers are watching whether coalition instability will hinder consensus on critical issues.