Ultra-Orthodox lawmakers have issued a strong ultimatum to the Israeli government, threatening to resign from the ruling coalition due to growing tensions over the issue of military conscription for Haredi men. At the heart of the dispute is the demand for full exemption of yeshiva students from compulsory military service, a longstanding point of contention in Israeli politics.
Leaders from Degel HaTorah, a key faction within the United Torah Judaism alliance, have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to protecting ultra-Orthodox religious students from being drafted. They argue that these students, who are dedicated to lifelong Torah study, should not be subjected to conscription requirements that could interfere with their religious obligations.
The pressure has intensified in recent weeks, with the faction’s spiritual leadership accusing the government of breaking promises and failing to uphold its commitment to safeguard the rights of the Haredi community. The leadership declared that remaining part of the coalition under such circumstances is no longer viable, citing an erosion of trust and a growing sense of betrayal among their constituents.
The demand for draft exemptions has long been a flashpoint in Israeli society. While the broader public is generally subject to mandatory military service, the ultra-Orthodox community has historically sought — and at times received — special consideration on the grounds of religious necessity. Critics of these exemptions, however, argue that they undermine equality and national unity, especially during periods of heightened security challenges.
Although the withdrawal of Degel HaTorah alone may not immediately bring down the current government, the potential ripple effects could prove significant. The coalition is already seen as fragile, and any movement by one ultra-Orthodox faction could embolden others to take similar steps, further destabilising the alliance. Should multiple religious parties exit the coalition, it would pose a serious threat to the government’s parliamentary majority and its ability to pass key legislation.
This development adds yet another layer of complexity to an already volatile political environment. The balance between maintaining national security policies and accommodating religious sensitivities remains one of the most delicate challenges facing Israeli leadership. Calls for reform and greater integration of the ultra-Orthodox into national service continue to clash with demands for religious autonomy and preservation of traditional yeshiva life.
With political pressure mounting, the ruling coalition must now weigh the cost of conceding to ultra-Orthodox demands against the broader public’s expectations for fairness and unity. The outcome could reshape the future relationship between the state and the Haredi sector, with far-reaching implications for both domestic policy and national cohesion. As tensions rise, all eyes remain on whether the government can broker a compromise that maintains its grip on power while addressing the core concerns of its religious partners
