Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government suffered a major blow after the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party officially withdrew from the cabinet amid growing tensions over mandatory military service exemptions for religious seminary (Yeshiva) students.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the political crisis intensified when the Netanyahu-led government failed to pass legislation to exempt Haredi students from compulsory military service — a long-standing demand of the religious factions.
According to reports, one UTJ member had already resigned earlier, and now the remaining six members have also pulled out, effectively ending the party’s support for the coalition.
The Knesset, Israel’s 120-member parliament, now leaves Netanyahu’s government with just a one-seat majority, putting its stability in serious jeopardy.
Political analysts warn that if the deadlock continues or if even one more member defects, new elections may become inevitable.
The UTJ’s departure underscores the growing divide between secular and religious factions in Israel over the issue of national service, especially at a time when the country remains embroiled in multiple internal and external challenges.