Israeli ultra-Orthodox party quits government over military service dispute

The ultra-Orthodox Shas party has announced its decision to leave the Israeli government due to a dispute over mandatory military service. This move is a significant blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, potentially leaving him with a minority coalition in parliament.

Shas stated that it is quitting the cabinet in protest against the failure to secure future exemptions from military conscription for religious students. Without Shas, Netanyahu's coalition would have 50 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.

Shas, known for its influential role in Israeli politics, clarified that it would not undermine the government from outside and might support certain laws. The party also expressed its commitment to not causing the government's collapse.

Another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), had resigned from the government earlier over the same issue. The exemption of seminary students from military service has sparked a heated debate in Israel, especially after the recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that full-time religious study is essential and fear that mandatory military service could lead young men astray. Efforts to draft a new conscription bill have faced challenges in meeting the demands of Shas and UTJ.

The departure of Shas and UTJ from the government coincides with the start of a three-month parliamentary recess, providing Netanyahu with time to negotiate their return. The move follows tensions over promises made regarding the conscription bill and perceived persecution of yeshiva students by the military and attorney general.

According to the source: Al Jazeera.