Israeli Government in a Fragile Position Due to Hostage Deal and Charedi Army Exemptions

The stability of Israel’s current government is under significant threat, with coalition partners signaling they could leave the government over key legislative and policy issues.

Charedi Military Exemption Law

Minister Michael Malkieli of the Shas party issued a stern warning regarding the ultra-Orthodox parties’ stance on the military service exemption for Charedi men. Speaking to radio station Kol Berama, Malkieli emphasized that passing this legislation is a non-negotiable core interest for Shas and other Charedi parties.

“The ultra-Orthodox parties will topple the government when the Gedolei Yisrael instruct them to do so,” Malkieli stated. He expressed hope for an agreement with Defense Minister Israel Katz and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein on the law’s text, while affirming that Prime Minister Netanyahu understands the critical nature of this issue for the Charedi public.

Gaza Ceasefire Deal Controversy

Simultaneously, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party has voiced strong opposition to the recent ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. In a public statement, Smotrich described the deal as a “dangerous” compromise that undermines Israel’s national security and the achievements of its military campaign.

Smotrich has conditioned his party’s continued participation in the coalition on the immediate resumption of military operations against Hamas following the ceasefire. President Isaac Herzog and other key figures, including Housing Minister Yitzchak Goldknopf of United Torah Judaism, have supported the deal, citing the imperative of the mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuim.

Coalition at a Crossroads

The potential departure of either the Charedi parties or the Religious Zionism party from the coalition would jeopardize Netanyahu’s majority in the Knesset. WithNational Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir already claiming he will leave the government if the deal is not scrapped, Netanyahu faces a delicate balancing act to maintain government stability.

Reports suggest that Netanyahu is negotiating with Smotrich and Ben Gvir, offering potential concessions such as increased settlement construction and enhanced security measures to placate their factions.

Netanyahu has been very successful in the past in keeping his government together. Maybe he can do so again.