Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a serious political crisis that could shake his government. Key members of his coalition, particularly from the ultra-Orthodox parties, are threatening to leave. This could lead to a motion to dissolve the parliament as early as next week.
The tension stems from long-standing issues regarding military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. Currently, most Israelis must serve in the military for three years, while Haredi men have been exempt. This exemption is increasingly seen as unfair, especially during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Recent polls suggest that Netanyahu’s coalition would likely lose power if elections were held today. The crisis has intensified due to the recent war, which has put pressure on the military to recruit more soldiers. Many Israelis are frustrated with the current exemption policies, and this anger has reached new heights since the conflict began.
Political analysts point out that the core of the crisis is not just about religion versus state, but also about who is expected to fight in the war. A significant majority of Israelis want to see an end to the discrimination against those who serve in the military.
In March, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that the draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men were unconstitutional. The government was ordered to address this issue, but Netanyahu’s coalition remains divided. The Haredi parties are pushing for new laws to solidify their exemptions, threatening to withdraw from the coalition if their demands are not met.
If the ultra-Orthodox parties decide to leave, it could lead to the collapse of Netanyahu’s government. Some experts believe that elections could happen much sooner than the scheduled date of October 21, 2025.
The opposition party Yesh Atid, led by former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, has introduced a bill to dissolve the Knesset, which is set for a vote soon. If passed, it could be a pivotal moment for Israeli politics, especially if coalition members defect.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is making a political comeback with a new party, which could potentially win a significant number of seats in any upcoming elections, surpassing Netanyahu’s Likud party.
The situation remains fluid, and many are watching closely to see how Netanyahu will respond in the coming days. With mounting pressure from both the public and within his coalition, the future of his leadership hangs in the balance.