Netanyahu's Coalition Faces Crisis Over Military Service for Ultra-Orthodox

Tensions boil in Israel as Prime Minister Netanyahu's government grapples with the ultra-Orthodox community's military service exemptions amid ongoing conflict, threatening political stability.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is in crisis following the announcement of a major ultra-Orthodox party's withdrawal from the ruling coalition late Monday night. The party's decision stems from a contentious proposal requiring religious students to serve in the military, a topic that has historically divided Israeli society.

If more coalition partners opt to leave, Netanyahu's hold on power could weaken significantly, potentially pushing Israel toward its first elections since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023. The debate over military conscription has intensified amidst ongoing violence, with the loss of hundreds of soldiers in the conflict provoking resentment toward the ultra-Orthodox community. Many Israelis feel that while their youth are fighting, the ultra-Orthodox, who have long enjoyed exemptions for religious study, are disengaged from shared national responsibilities.

Political analysts do not predict an immediate collapse of Netanyahu's government; however, the growing discord is expected to further complicate the already tumultuous landscape of Israeli politics. As party leaders navigate their positions on a cease-fire and address escalating tensions with Lebanon and Syria, the future of the coalition remains precarious.

This crisis has deep roots, as most Jewish Israelis are obliged to enlist at the end of high school, while ultra-Orthodox men have traditionally been exempted to pursue religious studies—a practice that many members of this community defend as vital to Jewish survival. The ongoing turmoil has sparked a vibrant discussion about the obligations of citizenship and the balance between religious freedom and national service in contemporary Israel.