Netanyahu coalition faces collapse over conscription bill delay

ISLAMABAD: Israel’s government is facing renewed political turmoil after an ultra-Orthodox party threatened to bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition over delays to a controversial military draft-exemption bill, Anadolu Agency reported Tuesday. 

The ultra-orthodox Degel HaTorah party warned it could push for early elections if legislation exempting Haredi Jewish men from military service is postponed until after the next national vote. 

The dispute centers on long-running demands by ultra-orthodox parties for legal protections allowing religious students to avoid compulsory military service.

The issue has become increasingly contentious during Israel’s ongoing regional conflicts, with many Israelis arguing that military service obligations should apply equally across society. 

Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael together form the United Torah Judaism alliance, a key partner in Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition government.

The alliance controls seven seats in the 120-member Knesset and is reportedly seeking support from the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, which holds 11 seats. 

Exemption law must wait

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that Netanyahu and his aides informed Haredi parties that the exemption law could not currently pass in its existing form and may need to wait until after the elections. 

That position reportedly angered ultra-orthodox leaders, who are now considering moves to obstruct legislation in parliament and accelerate efforts to dissolve the Knesset.

Party leader Moshe Gafni is said to have met Netanyahu’s chief of staff this week to discuss the crisis, though doubts remain over whether the coalition has enough support to pass the bill. 

The controversy follows a 2024 Israeli Supreme Court ruling ordering the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men and ending state funding for religious institutions whose students refuse military service. 

Haredi groups have continued to protest the decision, arguing that full-time Torah study is central to their religious identity and they should be exempt from conscription.