Is Netanyahu's Government on the Brink? Opposition Pushes for Early Elections

Major Political Challenge for Netanyahu

Jerusalem: On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is set to face a significant challenge as the opposition has introduced a bill aimed at dissolving the government. This move comes as his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners express their intention to back the proposal, potentially leading to early elections.

The ultra-Orthodox factions are expressing their discontent over the government's inability to pass legislation that would exempt their community from compulsory military service, a contentious issue that has polarized Israeli society amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

While many anticipate a last-minute agreement, this vote represents the most serious threat to Netanyahu's leadership since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which is regarded as one of the most significant security lapses in Israel's history.

The opposition's bill to dissolve the Knesset, Israel's parliament, has prompted coalition members to introduce several bills of their own, filling Wednesday's agenda and allowing for potential last-minute discussions.

If the dissolution vote proceeds as planned, it is expected to occur late in the evening. Additionally, Argentina's President Javier Milei is scheduled to address the Knesset on the same day.

Should the bill pass, it may take weeks or even months before new elections are organized. Conversely, if the bill fails, another dissolution vote cannot be proposed for at least six months. The opposition may withdraw the bill if it lacks sufficient support and could reintroduce it in the near future.

Netanyahu's coalition comprises two ultra-Orthodox parties, both of which must endorse the dissolution bill for it to succeed. On Tuesday, leading Haredi rabbis issued a religious edict reinforcing their opposition to military service, complicating negotiations for Haredi politicians.

In Israel, military service is compulsory for most Jewish citizens, but the influential ultra-Orthodox community, which constitutes about 13% of the population, has historically been granted exemptions if they are engaged in full-time religious studies.

The ultra-Orthodox, referred to as Haredim or 'God-fearing' in Hebrew, argue that military integration jeopardizes their traditional lifestyle.

Israel is currently embroiled in its longest ongoing war, which has stretched its military resources thin. The Haredim's widespread refusal to serve and their threats to destabilize the government during wartime have provoked anger among many Israelis, particularly those who have repeatedly served in reserve duty.