Ultra-Orthodox Party Quits Israeli Cabinet, Providing Lifeline to Netanyahu

Second Ultra-Orthodox Party Quits Israel Cabinet but Throws Netanyahu a Lifeline

In a dramatic turn of events that underscores the fragility of Israel's governing coalition, the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, a key ultra-Orthodox faction, has announced its decision to quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet. This move marks the second such departure by an ultra-Orthodox party from the government in recent weeks, following the earlier resignation of the Shas party. However, in a twist that provides a crucial lifeline to Netanyahu's beleaguered administration, UTJ has pledged to continue supporting the coalition from outside on critical votes, ensuring the government's survival amid ongoing political turmoil and military challenges.

The announcement came amid escalating tensions over the contentious issue of military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, a long-standing exemption that has become a flashpoint in Israeli politics. UTJ, which holds several seats in the Knesset and has been a steadfast ally in Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, cited the government's failure to pass legislation protecting these exemptions as the primary reason for its exit. Party leaders expressed deep frustration, arguing that the coalition had not adequately addressed their demands to shield yeshiva students—young men studying in religious seminaries—from mandatory military service. This exemption, rooted in Israel's founding principles to preserve Jewish religious scholarship, has been increasingly challenged in recent years as the country's security needs grow, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and along the northern border with Lebanon.

Despite the resignation, UTJ's decision to offer external support is a calculated maneuver that prevents the immediate collapse of Netanyahu's government. With 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset, the coalition relies on a razor-thin majority. The departure of UTJ's ministers could have tipped the balance, but their commitment to back key legislation, including budget approvals and war-related decisions, effectively maintains the status quo. This arrangement allows Netanyahu to navigate the political minefield without triggering snap elections, which polls suggest could be unfavorable for his Likud party. Analysts view this as a pragmatic compromise, where UTJ extracts concessions on religious issues while avoiding the chaos of a government downfall that might empower secular or centrist opponents.

The backdrop to this development is a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that struck down the blanket exemption for ultra-Orthodox men from military service. The court deemed the policy discriminatory, as it places an unequal burden on secular and other religious Israelis who serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This decision has forced the government to grapple with drafting legislation to either enforce conscription or find alternative service options, such as national civilian roles. Netanyahu's administration has been attempting to broker a compromise bill, but internal divisions—particularly between secular nationalists and ultra-Orthodox partners—have stalled progress. The prime minister has repeatedly emphasized the need for unity during wartime, pointing to the protracted Gaza conflict following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of hundreds. The war has stretched IDF resources thin, amplifying calls for broader recruitment to bolster troop numbers.

UTJ's move follows closely on the heels of Shas's resignation, another ultra-Orthodox party led by Aryeh Deri, which also withdrew from the cabinet over the same draft issue but similarly promised external support. Together, these parties represent the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community, which comprises about 13% of Israel's population and wields significant political influence due to their bloc voting and coalition-making power. Haredi leaders argue that mandatory service would disrupt their way of life, where full-time Torah study is seen as a spiritual defense for the nation equivalent to military duty. Critics, including opposition figures like Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party, have lambasted this stance as unfair, accusing the ultra-Orthodox of shirking national responsibilities while benefiting from state subsidies for their institutions.

Netanyahu, a political survivor known for his adept maneuvering, has welcomed UTJ's continued backing, framing it as a demonstration of national responsibility during a time of crisis. In a statement, he highlighted the importance of maintaining coalition stability to prosecute the war against Hamas and Hezbollah, while promising to advance a draft law that respects Haredi sensitivities. However, this partial exit raises questions about the long-term viability of his government. With ministers from UTJ stepping down from portfolios such as housing and Jerusalem affairs, administrative functions may face disruptions, though Netanyahu is expected to reassign these roles to loyalists within Likud or other coalition partners like the far-right Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich.

The political ramifications extend beyond the draft debate. Netanyahu's coalition, formed after the November 2022 elections, has been plagued by internal strife, including the high-profile resignation of centrist minister Benny Gantz in June 2024, who cited disagreements over war strategy and hostage negotiations. Gantz's departure from the emergency unity government left Netanyahu more reliant on his right-wing and religious allies, making the ultra-Orthodox parties' loyalty even more pivotal. Public protests, both for and against the draft exemptions, have intensified, with secular Israelis demanding equality in service obligations, while Haredi communities stage demonstrations warning of mass resistance to conscription.

Economically, the issue carries weight as well. The ultra-Orthodox population, with higher birth rates and lower workforce participation, relies heavily on government welfare. Enforcing military service could integrate more Haredi men into the economy, potentially boosting productivity, but it risks alienating a key demographic. Netanyahu's government has proposed incentives, such as financial bonuses for those who serve, but these have not quelled the unrest.

Internationally, the cabinet shake-up occurs against a backdrop of strained relations with allies like the United States, where President Joe Biden has urged a ceasefire in Gaza and expressed concerns over Israel's handling of humanitarian issues. Netanyahu's ability to hold his coalition together is seen as critical to projecting strength in negotiations and military operations. The prime minister's upcoming address to the U.S. Congress could be influenced by this domestic stability, as he seeks to rally support for Israel's positions.

Opposition leaders have seized on the resignations to criticize Netanyahu's leadership. Avigdor Liberman, head of the secular Yisrael Beiteinu party, called the arrangement a "cynical deal" that perpetuates inequality. Meanwhile, within the coalition, figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have downplayed the impact, asserting that the government remains focused on security priorities.

As Israel navigates these challenges, the UTJ's decision exemplifies the delicate balance of power in a fragmented political landscape. By quitting the cabinet yet extending a lifeline, the party preserves its leverage to influence policy without bearing the full brunt of governmental responsibility. For Netanyahu, this buys time, but it also highlights the precariousness of his rule. The coming months will test whether this external support can withstand pressures from the courts, the military, and the public. If the draft law fails to materialize, further fractures could emerge, potentially leading to elections that reshape Israel's leadership amid its most pressing existential threats.

This episode reflects deeper societal divides in Israel, where questions of identity, religion, and national duty intersect with the demands of modern statehood. The ultra-Orthodox community's role in politics, once a stabilizing force for right-wing governments, now appears as both an asset and a liability. As debates rage on, the resolution of the conscription issue could define not just Netanyahu's tenure but the future social fabric of the nation. With wars on multiple fronts and internal discord simmering, the path forward remains uncertain, but for now, the lifeline from UTJ ensures that the government endures, at least in the short term. (Word count: 1,048)

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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/second-ultra-orthodox-party-quits-israel-cabinet-but-throws-netanyahu-a-lifeline