Israel Coalition Faces Collapse Over Draft Law

Israel's government is in crisis as its ultra-Orthodox partners, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas, threaten to withdraw and dissolve the Knesset after the missed Shavuot deadline for passing a law exempting yeshiva students from military service. The absence of progress has resulted in legislative boycotts and heightened ultimatums from the parties, who also reject strict draft evasion sanctions proposed by committee chair Yuli Edelstein. Recent Supreme Court rulings have found current draft exemptions unconstitutional, further pressuring the coalition amid growing public frustration over military shortages during wartime. Prime Minister Netanyahu has sought compromises but faces resistance from within the coalition and from opposition parties, who are advancing legislation to dissolve the Knesset. The impasse could soon force new elections and potentially end Netanyahu's right-wing government.