Shockwaves in Israel: Second Ultra-Orthodox Party Exits Government, Unleashing Political Turmoil!
The Ultra-Orthodox Shas party has announced its departure from the Israeli government, a move that could complicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s already precarious parliamentary majority. This decision stems from ongoing tensions surrounding mandatory military service exemptions for religious students, an issue that has ignited fierce debate within Israeli society.
On Wednesday, Shas officials expressed their discontent, stating, “Shas representatives … find with a heavy heart that they cannot stay in the government and be a part of it.” The party’s exit follows a similar announcement from the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, which also withdrew in protest over the lack of guarantees for military service exemptions. The dual resignations come just before Parliament’s summer recess, which begins on July 27, providing Netanyahu several months with limited legislative activity to potentially mend relations with these ultra-Orthodox factions.
Despite leaving the cabinet, Shas has indicated it will not actively work to undermine the government and may even support certain legislation. This nuanced stance aims to maintain some influence while ensuring the stability of Netanyahu’s coalition. Nevertheless, the party’s move underscores a growing frustration within the ultra-Orthodox community, which has long benefited from exemptions from mandatory military service-a situation that many Israelis view as inequitable given the sacrifices of the broader population.
The tension escalated following a Supreme Court ruling last year that mandated an end to the long-standing exemption for ultra-Orthodox seminary students. This has prompted parliamentary discussions on a new conscription bill, but negotiations have thus far failed to satisfy the demands of both Shas and UTJ. Shas’s Religious Services Minister, Michael Malkieli, criticized Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein for allegedly going back on commitments concerning the bill, stating that rabbis have been left outraged over the broken promises.
Malkieli further condemned actions taken by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the attorney general toward draft evaders, labeling these efforts as “nothing less than cruel and criminal persecution against yeshiva students.” This rhetoric reflects the deep-seated concern among ultra-Orthodox leaders about the impact of military service on their community and religious commitments.
As the political landscape shifts, analysts suggest that the departure of Shas and UTJ may not trigger immediate elections; however, it does leave Netanyahu more vulnerable to the pressures of his far-right coalition partners who oppose any ceasefire in Gaza while Hamas remains a significant threat. This complex interplay of military and political considerations will undoubtedly shape the forthcoming months in Israeli governance.
The recent developments highlight a critical juncture in Israeli politics, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions related to military service exemptions and the impact of these policies on various segments of society. As the debate intensifies, the government’s capacity to navigate these challenges will be crucial in maintaining its coalition and addressing the concerns of its constituents.
Original Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/16/israeli-ultra-orthodox-party-quits-government-as-netanyahu-loses-majority
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Publish Date: 2025-07-16 21:15:00
