Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has encountered a significant political setback as the ultra-Orthodox Shas party announced its departure from his coalition government. This withdrawal leaves Netanyahu with a minority in the Knesset, amid various pressing challenges facing the nation. Shas, which has historically played a pivotal role in Israeli politics, opted to leave due to disagreements over a proposed law that would secure military draft exemptions for its constituents—marking the second ultra-Orthodox party to exit within the week.
Cabinet minister Michael Malkieli articulated Shas’s position, stating that remaining a partner in the government was untenable under the current circumstances. Despite its departure, Shas indicated it might still support some legislation, thereby providing a potential lifeline for Netanyahu amid an unstable political landscape. Once the resignations take effect, Netanyahu will lead a coalition of just 50 seats out of 120 in the parliament.
Currently, Netanyahu’s hold on power appears unthreatened; once Shas’s resignations are formalised, he has a 48-hour window to strategise before they take effect. The impending summer recess offers him a crucial period to negotiate and potentially reach compromises on the contentious military draft law.
The stability of Netanyahu’s government is critical as Israel navigates tense negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire proposal backed by the United States. Notably, tensions within his coalition are exacerbated by far-right factions that oppose any cessation of hostilities while Hamas remains operational. Such political instability could foreshadow early elections, originally scheduled for October 2026.
Compounding his challenges, Netanyahu is also embroiled in ongoing corruption trials, leading critics to argue that he is fighting to maintain power to protect himself from legal repercussions.
The issue of military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community remains a contentious topic, especially now as public scrutiny intensifies following the conflict in Gaza. Historically, military service is mandatory for most Jewish Israelis, yet numerous exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, originating from agreements made with past administrations, have led to increasing divisions within society.
With Shas’s recent resignation, the prospect of legislative progress on the military draft law hangs in the balance. Netanyahu’s coalition is under pressure to negotiate solutions that address both ultra-Orthodox demands and the broader public perception of fairness in military service obligations. The coming weeks and months will be critical for Netanyahu as he seeks to maintain his government while pursuing difficult compromises in a fractious political climate.