Israeli ultra-Orthodox party quits Netanyahu government over conscription
Summary
Israel's ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), is leaving the government coalition due to disagreements over mandatory military service. This decision reduces Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's majority in parliament and impacts his governing power.Key Facts
- United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is leaving Israel's government coalition led by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- The party is unhappy about a proposal requiring seminary students to serve in the military.
- Six UTJ members submitted their resignation letters; the party consists of Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael factions.
- Degel HaTorah cited guidance from their spiritual leader, Rabbi Dov Lando, as a reason for leaving.
- This decision leaves Netanyahu with a majority of 61 seats in the 120-seat parliament.
- The Ultra-Orthodox have traditionally been exempt from military service, unlike most young Israelis.
- The Supreme Court ruled that this exemption should end, requiring the Ministry of Defense to draft seminary students.
- Netanyahu's coalition, formed in December 2022, is known to be one of Israel’s most right-wing governments.
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