Netanyahu Survives Knesset Dissolution Vote Amid Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dispute

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government narrowly survived a key vote to dissolve the Knesset, defeating the motion by 61 to 53 amid deep divisions over a controversial draft exemption law for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men. The dispute centers on a decades-old policy exempting Haredi men engaged in religious studies from mandatory military service, a policy increasingly challenged following Israel’s ongoing war after the October 7 Hamas attack, which has heightened the need for more troops. Netanyahu has been struggling to maintain unity within his coalition, particularly with the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties, who threaten to support the opposition’s dissolution bill if their demands are unmet. Despite last-minute efforts and revised proposals offering compromises such as grace periods before penalizing draft dodgers, significant disagreements remain, especially over sanctions and timing, with some Haredi factions openly supporting dissolution. The coalition is attempting to delay parliamentary proceedings and negotiate with Haredi leaders to avert elections, emphasizing the importance of political stability amid security threats from Iran. Although Netanyahu survived this immediate challenge, the fragile coalition and rising public anger indicate ongoing political instability in Israel.