Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Party Threatens Coalition Over Draft Bill

(MENAFN) Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Degel HaTorah party has renewed threats to bring down the government and trigger early elections after reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may delay a disputed military conscription bill until after the upcoming national vote.

Israel’s current parliamentary term is set to end in October, after which general elections are expected to take place.

Degel HaTorah, together with Agudat Yisrael, forms the United Torah Judaism alliance, which is part of Netanyahu’s governing coalition. The bloc holds seven seats in the 120-member Knesset and has been seeking backing from the Shas party, which controls 11 seats.

Even if United Torah Judaism were to leave the coalition, the government would still maintain a parliamentary majority with 68 seats, meaning its survival would not automatically be at risk.

The dispute over military conscription exemptions for Haredi Jews has repeatedly strained relations within the coalition. The issue has already led to previous tensions, including Degel HaTorah’s withdrawal from the government last July and its subsequent boycott of several parliamentary votes on government-backed legislation.

Ultra-Orthodox factions continue to push for legislation granting exemptions from mandatory military service, but the proposal has faced resistance both within parts of the governing coalition and from opposition lawmakers, complicating efforts to secure approval.

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