The Israeli coalition government is facing a deepening crisis that could lead to its collapse, fueled by escalating disputes over the draft exemption law for ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim), according to reports. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly scrambling to keep his government intact until the next scheduled elections.
Netanyahu has been preoccupied in recent days with managing what has been described as a “containment battle” within the coalition. This includes supporting National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir despite legal objections. Ben-Gvir’s controversial policies have consistently strained the coalition.
Simultaneously, Netanyahu is working to push Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to proceed with preparing the 2026 budget. However, the core of the conflict lies in the Haredi parties’ threat to withhold support for the budget if the draft exemption law is not approved. This ultimatum has exposed the fragility of the coalition, highlighting that its continued existence is precarious.
Sources suggest that the Israeli political system has effectively entered an election campaign environment. Analysts believe that the Haredi draft exemption issue has become the primary obstacle threatening the current government’s survival. Netanyahu fears that passing any version of the law could weaken his electoral base, while the Haredim understand that early elections could place them in a weaker negotiating position. The stakes are high, and the future of the coalition hangs in the balance.
The exemption law, which has been debated for years, allows Haredi men to defer mandatory military service while they study in religious seminaries. Critics argue that this creates an unfair burden on other Israeli citizens who are required to serve. The Haredi community, however, maintains that religious study is essential for the preservation of Jewish tradition and that their contributions to society are equally valuable.
The coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether Netanyahu can navigate these challenges and maintain his coalition, or whether Israel will face another round of early elections.
