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Benjamin Netanyahu Left Minority After Shas Quits
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition has lost its parliamentary majority after the exit of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party. This development comes shortly after the United Torah Judaism party also withdrew its support. With only 50 seats remaining in the 120-member Knesset, Netanyahu is now leading a minority government.
The immediate trigger for the crisis is proposed legislation that aims to limit military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men. The bill has sparked strong opposition from religious parties, who argue it undermines traditional values and religious study. While Shas has withdrawn from the cabinet, it has not entirely ruled out backing the government on a case-by-case basis.
Uncertainty Ahead for Israeli Politics
The Israeli Parliament is now headed for its summer recess, giving Netanyahu a temporary reprieve. However, political analysts say this period will be crucial for attempts to rebuild the coalition. If no solution is found by the time the Knesset reconvenes in the autumn, Israel may be heading toward another round of early elections before the scheduled vote in 2026.
The political turbulence comes at a sensitive time, as Israel remains engaged in complex ceasefire negotiations with Hamas following more than 21 months of conflict in Gaza. Though national security operations are likely to continue, the weakening of the government raises questions about its long-term stability and ability to pass major legislation.
Netanyahu now faces three tough choices—negotiating with former allies to rejoin the coalition, compromising on the draft law, or preparing the country for another early election.
