Israel is heading toward early elections as ultra-Orthodox parties threaten to leave Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition over a stalled law exempting Haredi Jews from mandatory military service.
Haredi rabbis have urged their parties to withdraw support if the exemption isn’t passed. Despite talks, disagreements remain wide. The ultra-Orthodox demand the exemption to stay in government, while Netanyahu seeks enough backing to approve it.
This follows a 2024 court ruling requiring Haredi men to enlist, ending decades of deferments. Haredim oppose service on religious grounds, making up about 13% of Israel’s population.
Opposition accuses Netanyahu of trying to save his coalition by passing the exemption, risking a government collapse and early elections.
