JERUSALEM – The political landscape in Israel is on the verge of a seismic shift as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration faces a pivotal challenge. The opposition has proposed a bill aimed at dissolving the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, which has cast a spotlight on the discontent simmering within Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox coalition allies. These partners are contemplating support for the measure, a move that could precipitate new elections.
The crux of the ultra-Orthodox factions’ dissatisfaction stems from the government’s inability to pass legislation granting their community exemptions from mandatory military service. This contentious issue has long been a source of division among Jewish Israelis, particularly during the ongoing 20-monthlong conflict in Gaza.
Although many speculate about the possibility of a last-minute agreement, this legislative move represents the most profound threat to Netanyahu’s government since the unprecedented security breach during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
In response to the opposition’s introduction of the dissolution bill, members of the coalition have rolled out numerous counter-proposals, effectively creating a packed schedule for Wednesday’s parliamentary proceedings. This tactic serves to provide additional time for last-ditch negotiations.
Should the dissolution vote proceed as planned, it is expected to occur late in the evening. Meanwhile, the Knesset will host Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who is scheduled to address the parliament on the same day.
The legislative process to dissolve the Knesset requires the bill to pass a total of three readings, a procedure that could extend over several days or even weeks.
Even with the bill’s passage, the formalization and scheduling of new elections could be a protracted affair, potentially taking weeks or months. Conversely, if the bill fails to garner the necessary support, the opposition would be barred from reintroducing such a measure for six months, though there remains the option to withdraw it and propose it again at a later date.
The success of this dissolution bill hinges on support from Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes two ultra-Orthodox factions. Both parties would need to align with the bill for it to pass. The situation escalated on Tuesday when leading ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, rabbis issued a religious decree that underscored their staunch opposition to military service, adding complexity to the political negotiation efforts of Haredi legislators.
In Israel, military service is a compulsory duty for most Jewish citizens; however, the influential ultra-Orthodox community, comprising about 13% of the population, has historically been granted exemptions for those engaging in full-time religious studies at seminaries.
The Haredi community, also known as “God-fearing” in Hebrew, argues that joining the military would pose a threat to their traditional way of life.
This internal conflict unfolds as Israel remains embroiled in its longest-running conflict, putting immense pressure on its military resources. The widespread aversion among Haredi individuals to participate in military service, coupled with threats to destabilize the government during wartime, has sparked widespread frustration among many Israelis, particularly those who have fulfilled multiple stints of reserve duty.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the loss of 866 Israeli soldiers to date.