Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition survived a major political test on Thursday after the Knesset rejected an opposition-led bid to dissolve parliament and trigger early elections, AFP reported.
The motion was defeated by a vote of 61 to 53 in the 120-seat legislature, despite speculation that some ultra-Orthodox members of Netanyahu’s coalition might back the move over disagreements on military service exemptions.
The opposition, made up largely of centrist and left-wing factions, had hoped to exploit growing divisions within the coalition, particularly over a contentious draft law addressing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men from compulsory military service.
However, while a few ultra-Orthodox lawmakers voted in favour of the bill, the majority ultimately supported the government, ensuring its survival at least for now.
The failed motion means the opposition must wait six months before it can attempt to bring forward another bill to dissolve parliament.
Before the vote, Yuli Edelstein, a lawmaker from Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party, announced that after lengthy discussions, parties had agreed on the “principles on which the draft conscription law will be based”.
Though details were not disclosed, Edelstein said the proposed legislation would aim to expand military recruitment and strengthen national security.
“As I said all along — only a real, effective bill that leads to an expansion of the (Israeli military’s) recruitment base will emerge from the committee I chair.
“This is historic news, and we are on the path to real reform in Israeli society and strengthening the security of the State of Israel,” he wrote on social media platform X.
The debate over ultra-Orthodox military exemptions has become increasingly urgent during Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza, now nearing 20 months.
The Israel Defence Forces have faced manpower shortages, increasing calls for all sectors of society to contribute to the war effort.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that forcing early elections during wartime would endanger the country’s future.
“History will not forgive anyone who drags the state of Israel into elections during a war,” Smotrich told parliament, adding that there was a “national and security need” for ultra-Orthodox to fight in the military.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid described the coalition’s survival as a sign of political decay rather than strength.
“When coalitions begin to fall apart, they fall apart. It started and this is what it looks like when a government begins to collapse,” he said.
Lapid criticised the ultra-Orthodox parties for choosing to preserve exemptions from military service rather than stand with the government during wartime.
He accused Netanyahu’s administration of facilitating the exemption of “tens of thousands of healthy young people.”
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi countered the criticism, asserting the coalition remains stable and committed to governing.
Source: AFP
