Netanyahu government rocked as key party quits coalition

WorldPolitics
15 Jul 2025 • 6:57 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition faces instability after the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party announced its withdrawal.
  • The party's departure stems from deep disagreements over a proposed bill that would enshrine military draft exemptions for its constituents, a contentious issue in Israel.
  • This move, which becomes official within 48 hours, will leave Netanyahu with a slim majority, potentially increasing his reliance on far-right parties.
  • The political shake-up occurs amidst ongoing, stalled truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with far-right coalition members opposing concessions.
  • The split doesn’t immediately threaten Netanyahu's rule due to procedural reasons, and the summer parliamentary recess offers Netanyahu a window for potential reconciliation with United Torah Judaism.

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