Israel's government could collapse over ultra-Orthodox military draft : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition faces collapse after an ultra-Orthodox partner called for parliament's dissolution, potentially triggering early elections in September.
- The crisis stems from Netanyahu's refusal to advance legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service before elections, breaking trust with key coalition members.
- Exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service have been contentious, with recent Supreme Court rulings increasing pressure to draft this community amid the Gaza war.
- A parliamentary vote to dissolve the legislature is expected next week, with new elections legally required by October 27.
- Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, aligned with centrist Yair Lapid, leads a center-right alliance aiming to unseat Netanyahu, who will remain acting prime minister until a new government forms.