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Netanyahu faces coalition collapse over ultra-Orthodox military exemptions amid Gaza war

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 12:16AM UTC

As Israel mobilises unprecedented military reserves during the Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confronts a critical vote to dissolve parliament triggered by coalition tensions over ultra-Orthodox military exemptions, risking government collapse and political instability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is at a critical juncture, facing a vote to dissolve parliament that could signify a dramatic shift in his coalition government. As tensions mount within his ruling alliance, particularly concerning the contentious issue of military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community, Netanyahu must navigate an increasingly fragile political landscape. Key partners in his coalition have threatened to withdraw their support if new legislation exempting them from military service is not enacted, a challenge that has escalated amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The dynamics of Israeli society complicate the situation significantly. Currently, about 13% of Israelis are ultra-Orthodox, who have historically received exemptions from compulsory military service, enabling many to pursue religious studies instead. This exemption was originally designed to support a small number of scholars following the devastation of Jewish communities during the Holocaust. However, its expansion has led to growing resentment among the secular population, especially during the current war, which has seen the Israeli military mobilising reservists in unprecedented numbers since the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli Defence Forces activated around 360,000 reservists, stretching military resources to their limits.

Recent reports indicate that the ultra-Orthodox community’s enlistment rates remain low, with less than 10% of eligible individuals joining the military, despite significant social pressure since the onset of the war. Observers note a lack of motivation for many in this demographic to serve, as concerns about their religious upbringing outweigh national duty. Rabbi Ephraim Luft from Bnei Barak articulated this sentiment, suggesting that enforcing military service threatens the essence of their identity. The socio-political implications of this exemption issue are profound, as it underlines a fracture in Israeli society regarding the expectations of civic duty versus religious observance.

The backdrop of the proposed parliamentary dissolution is further complicated by Netanyahu's handling of the ongoing conflict and public opinion surrounding his government. Discontent among voters has grown, with polls suggesting that his right-wing coalition would struggle to secure a majority in fresh elections. Netanyahu's silence amid coalition turmoil has raised speculation about his strategic manoeuvring; many analysts believe he might negotiate a last-minute agreement to stave off the dissolution vote. However, given that multiple factions within the coalition have expressed readiness to abandon the government unless their demands are met, the likelihood of survival appears slim.

Should parliament be dissolved, the subsequent process would likely prove cumbersome, dragging on through numerous bureaucratic hurdles. Political scientists predict this could lead to months of uncertainty, during which the existing coalition might continue to govern in a state of limbo. Netanyahu’s leadership, though tested, is characterised by a history of resilience amidst crises, yet the current state of affairs reveals a coalition at risk of fracturing under internal pressures and public scrutiny.

The implications of these tensions extend beyond the legislative chambers of the Knesset; they have the potential to impact Israel's military strategy and its handling of the Gaza conflict. As Netanyahu continues to advocate for unity among Israelis during this time of war, the threat of coalition collapse looms large. Observers note that if ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw from the coalition, the government's ability to effectively respond to security challenges could be severely compromised.

The challenges facing Netanyahu and his government echo broader themes within Israeli society about the balance between military service and religious exemption. As discussions around the military draft continue, both the demands of an ongoing war and the socio-political realities are now more intertwined than ever, threatening to reshape the fabric of Israel’s governance and society.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

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Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel politics
military service
ultra-Orthodox community
Gaza conflict