By John Q. Hosedrinker 
United Torah Judaism (UTJ), an ultra-Orthodox party, has resigned from Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition due to the failure to pass a bill exempting yeshiva students from military service. Six of UTJ’s seven remaining members submitted their resignations, leaving Netanyahu with a very narrow parliamentary majority. The departure stems from a long-standing dispute regarding mandatory military service, an issue that has intensified due to the ongoing war in Gaza and a Supreme Court ruling ending the exemption. The ultra-Orthodox parties had viewed the exemption as a critical commitment for their coalition membership.
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Israeli ultra-Orthodox party leaves government over conscription bill, a move that’s poised to shake up Israeli politics significantly.
This shift is bound to heighten tensions surrounding debates on national service, and it’s easy to see why. The situation highlights a fundamental tension: the expectation that others will serve and potentially make the ultimate sacrifice, while some groups seemingly avoid these responsibilities. It’s hard not to feel a bit of frustration when certain factions appear to demand protection but are unwilling to contribute to the defense of the very society that provides it.
The ultra-Orthodox’s departure from the government raises questions about the basic responsibilities of citizenship, particularly in a small country facing complex geopolitical challenges. The question of whether those who benefit from the state’s protections should also be expected to defend it is a crucial one. Some argue that shirking this duty and relying on government pensions while others risk their lives on the front lines feels like a betrayal of civic duty.
Considering the dynamics of Israeli politics, it’s natural to wonder about the connection between this ultra-Orthodox faction and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition. If they are a part of the current government, as many sources suggest, their departure could directly impact the government’s stability. Given that the Israeli political scene is already a tightrope walk, this departure creates instability. Netanyahu’s reliance on a coalition often makes him vulnerable to shifts in support.
Furthermore, the ultra-Orthodox’s departure, if it’s indeed due to the conscription bill, could be a sign of a deeper conflict. The very people that are supposedly protecting Jewish traditions seem to refuse to uphold basic civic duties. If they choose not to participate in national service, the moral implications are complex. It suggests a disconnect between the benefits they receive from the country and their willingness to contribute to its defense.
The conscription debate extends beyond military service, with some reports indicating opposition to even non-military civil service. Some find it contradictory that a group could actively pursue territorial expansion while simultaneously avoiding service to the state. There’s a sentiment that if you want a stake in the country, you should be willing to defend it, like everyone else. Prayer and religious study, while important to many, aren’t seen as sufficient contributions to national defense by some.
The implications for the existing government are substantial. It appears to be an attempt to force Netanyahu’s hand. With a potentially very thin majority in the Knesset, any further resignations from coalition partners could destabilize the government, potentially leading to early elections. The key question then becomes: will this move force Netanyahu to compromise, or will it trigger a broader political crisis?
One thing is clear: if the ultra-Orthodox parties fully withdraw, it could lead to a significant change in the balance of power. If this move is a success, it could possibly usher in a new government. This is especially true if the Shas party follows suit, which would effectively bring down the entire coalition.
Moreover, the issue of national service and the ultra-Orthodox community’s role in it touches on broader societal concerns. There are claims that the ultra-Orthodox have relied heavily on state support while largely abstaining from military service and civilian employment. This raises questions of equity and whether all segments of Israeli society are contributing their fair share.
Ultimately, the ultra-Orthodox departure is a complex event with wide-ranging implications. It has the potential to destabilize the government, fuel national debates over the role of religious groups in society, and reshape the political landscape. While the exact outcome remains to be seen, one thing is clear: Israeli politics is about to enter a period of heightened uncertainty.