Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government lost the majority on Wednesday when the ultra-cortex Shas party left the coalition after the departure of Judaism at the beginning of this week. When Netanyahu became 11 seats, it now controls only 61 of the 120 Knessset seats, so it is vulnerable to voices without confidence.
Shas quoted “persecution of Torah students” for resignation and protested against Netanyahu’s inability to pass the law that liberated its religious components from compulsory military service.
Although Shas pledged not to actively “undermine” the coalition, its output paralyzes the legislative efforts and risks of early elections.
The collapse stems from the Israeli explosive debate on military levy. Ultra-cortex Jews (HAREDIM), who make up 13% of the Israeli population, were historically liberated from the service for persecution of religious studies, the practice ruled by the Supreme Court of Israel in 2024.
With more than 450 soldiers killed in Gaza and a lack of soldiers, public anger appeared over exceptions. When Netanyahu’s coalition failed to codify new exceptions by July 15, Shas and UTJ were ordered by spiritual leaders to resign, and called the proposal for their faith.
Political chaos complicates the efforts supported by the US to end the 21 -month wars in Gaza.
While the negotiations on the ceasefire continues in Qatar, Netanyahu now relies solely on extreme right-wing allies, such as the Minister of National Security ITamar Ben-Gvir, who oppose any agreement and Hamas.
Analysts noticed that Netanyahu could still approve a temporary ceasefire with opposition support, but its weakened position makes concessions more difficult. “For a long time, the right can now veto any agreement by threatening to stop,” Politol’s scientist Gayil Talsir warned. Meanwhile, the number of Gaza victims is close to 58,500 on continuing strikes.
Netanyahu is currently facing limited ways forward:
(Tagstotranslate) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
