Netanyahu’s Coalition Faces Collapse Over Conscription Crisis
Israel’s political crisis has intensified as ultra-Orthodox parties threaten to exit Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition over conscription exemptions, risking early elections. The dispute over mandatory military service for Haredi men has gained urgency amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with polls indicating a potential loss of power for Netanyahu’s coalition.
Recent opinion polls suggest that Netanyahu’s coalition might lose power if elections were held today, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling that the exemptions are unconstitutional has added to the pressure, but the government remains divided on the issue.
The opposition has introduced a motion to dissolve parliament, which could pass if enough coalition members defect. This potential collapse of the Netanyahu coalition underscores the deepening political tensions and the high stakes involved.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is preparing for a political comeback with a new party, tentatively called ‘Bennett 2026.’ Israeli media polls suggest Bennett would win 24 to 28 seats if elections were held today, overtaking Netanyahu’s Likud, which is projected to receive only 19 to 22 seats.