Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition has weathered its most significant challenge since October 7th after a vote to dissolve parliament and trigger early elections failed.
This represents a substantial victory, as Israeli law now prevents any further proposals to dissolve the Knesset (parliament) for the next six months, granting Netanyahu and his coalition a period of stability.
The government was threatened with dissolution by ultra-Orthodox lawmakers due to a stalemate over military service exemptions. However, most ultra-Orthodox Knesset members ultimately voted against the bill after reaching an agreement with MK Yuli Edelstein, head of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Discussions on the new draft law are expected to continue in the coming week.
Edelstein has been a strong opponent of codifying the ultra-Orthodox military service exemption into law.
While Israelis are generally required to enlist in the military at 18, certain groups, including the ultra-Orthodox community (Haredim), are exempt. Haredim constitute approximately 13% of Israeli society, according to the Associated Press.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have established Haredi units that allow soldiers to more closely adhere to religious traditions. However, many Haredim opt to dedicate their time to Torah study instead.
Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid accused the government of disrespecting Israeli soldiers and betraying them through this compromise, according to the Times of Israel. The outlet further quoted Edelstein as stating that his committee is the only avenue for creating an “effective bill like this leading to an expansion of the IDF’s conscription base.”
The issue of religious exemptions has been a long-standing point of contention in Israel, but has become particularly sensitive since October 7th.
Israel is currently engaged in its longest war, marking 20 months of its ground operation in Gaza. The ongoing war has led to the mobilization of Israelis from all backgrounds into the reserves, intensifying resentment towards the Haredi community’s exemption.
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