Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure as opposition parties prepare to push for a motion aimed at dissolving the Knesset, potentially leading to early elections. This political maneuver comes amidst intensifying internal disputes within Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, primarily centered around a longstanding exemption that allows ultra-Orthodox men studying in seminaries to avoid military service. If successful, the motion may not topple the government immediately but could severely undermine the Prime Minister's political standing.
Netanyahu Faces Coalition Crisis as Opposition Pushes for Parliament Dissolution
Netanyahu Faces Coalition Crisis as Opposition Pushes for Parliament Dissolution
In a political showdown, Israel's opposition parties are set to vote on a motion to dissolve Parliament, posing a significant challenge to Prime Minister Netanyahu amidst coalition turmoil over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox students.
Scheduled for a vote on Wednesday, the opposition’s move capitalizes on the discord among Netanyahu's coalition partners, especially the ultra-Orthodox factions, which hold significant leverage. The United Torah Judaism and Shas parties have been at odds over proposed limitations on these exemptions, an issue that has gained traction in public discourse following the escalation of hostilities in Gaza on October 7, 2023.
Although the coalition holds a majority of 68 seats in the 120-member Knesset, defections from the ultra-Orthodox parties could tip the scales in favor of the opposition. Analysts indicate that even a preliminary vote to dissolve Parliament could shift the political landscape, pushing Netanyahu's government into "election mode," a scenario that would amplify the perception of weakened leadership.
The outcome of this motion remains uncertain, but should the opposition succeed in their initiative, it may set the stage for new elections in October 2026, signaling a potential turning point in Israel's governance.
By Isabel Kershner, reporting from Jerusalem.
Although the coalition holds a majority of 68 seats in the 120-member Knesset, defections from the ultra-Orthodox parties could tip the scales in favor of the opposition. Analysts indicate that even a preliminary vote to dissolve Parliament could shift the political landscape, pushing Netanyahu's government into "election mode," a scenario that would amplify the perception of weakened leadership.
The outcome of this motion remains uncertain, but should the opposition succeed in their initiative, it may set the stage for new elections in October 2026, signaling a potential turning point in Israel's governance.
By Isabel Kershner, reporting from Jerusalem.
