Netanyahu Survives Knesset Dissolution Vote Amid Military Service Controversy

Jerusalem, June 12 (AP) - In a tense parliamentary session, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government successfully withstood an attempt to dissolve the Knesset early Thursday morning. Most of his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners sided with him, voting against a bill that would have mandated their registration for military service amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Netanyahu's administration faced what many viewed as its most significant challenge since the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. This incident, marked as Israel's greatest security lapse, ignited the current hostilities in Gaza.

The defeat of the bill to dissolve the Knesset effectively prevents any similar legislation for at least six months, solidifying the position of Netanyahu's beleaguered coalition.

The ultra-Orthodox community has been deeply dissatisfied with the government's inaction on enacting a law to exempt them from compulsory military duties. This issue has long remained divisive within the secular Jewish Israeli populace, particularly during the protracted 20-month Gaza conflict.

Israel's opposition party had hoped the public discontent regarding military service exemptions would topple the government. However, only two out of the 18 ultra-Orthodox Knesset members supported the dissolution bill.

Key to their decision was an assurance from Yuli Edelstein, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, who indicated a mutual understanding with the ultra-Orthodox parties regarding a new draft law. Discussions on this proposal will continue in the forthcoming week.

While military service is mandatory for most Jewish citizens in Israel, the politically influential ultra-Orthodox, accounting for about 13 percent of the population, have traditionally secured exemptions for those engaged in full-time religious studies.

The ultra-Orthodox, or Haredim—meaning “God-fearing” in Hebrew—argue that army participation threatens their traditional lifestyle.

Each year, approximately 13,000 ultra-Orthodox individuals reach the conscription age of 18, yet fewer than 10 percent enlist, as highlighted in a hearing by the parliament's State Control Committee.

Involvement in Israel's longest ongoing conflict strains the military significantly. The Haredim’s widespread reluctance to serve, coupled with their threats to destabilize the government in wartime, has incited frustration among many Israelis, particularly those subjected to multiple reservist call-ups. (AP) GRS GRS

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