Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government narrowly avoided collapse Thursday after lawmakers rejected an opposition bill to dissolve parliament, with 61 votes against the motion versus 53 in favor.
The failed attempt would have triggered snap elections amid growing tensions over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews.
The opposition, led by centrist and leftist parties, had hoped to capitalize on dissent within Netanyahu’s coalition, particularly from ultra-Orthodox factions angered by proposed changes to longstanding military service exemptions.
While some ultra-Orthodox lawmakers initially threatened to support the motion, most ultimately sided with the government.
Before the vote, Yuli Edelstein of Netanyahu’s Likud party announced a breakthrough: “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.” Edelstein, who chairs the foreign affairs and defense committee, did not disclose details of the compromise.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid framed the close vote as the beginning of the government’s unraveling: “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 accused ultra-Orthodox parties of prioritizing exemptions over governance, stating they chose “the exemption of tens of thousands of healthy young people” rather than risking their political position.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi countered, declaring the coalition “moving forward” and “stronger than ever.” The opposition must now wait six months before attempting another dissolution vote.
The debate centers on Israel’s mandatory military service, which has historically exempted ultra-Orthodox men engaged in religious study—a policy under renewed scrutiny during the 20-month Gaza war as the military seeks more personnel.
Netanyahu faces pressure from within Likud to increase ultra-Orthodox conscription while maintaining support from key coalition partners Shas and United Torah Judaism, who demand permanent exemptions.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned against political instability during wartime: “History will not forgive anyone who drags the state of Israel into elections during a war,” calling ultra-Orthodox military service a “national and security need.”
The overnight vote followed intense negotiations, with Netanyahu’s coalition deliberately delaying proceedings to broker a deal. The fragile alliance between Likud, far-right factions, and ultra-Orthodox parties remains intact—for now—but the deep divisions over military service exemptions continue to threaten its survival.
