Netanyahu Pushes Early Election Over Draft Dispute
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- Netanyahu's ruling coalition submitted a request for an early election after ultra‑Orthodox parties withdrew support over the draft exemption issue.
- Knesset would hold a general election within 90 days if the request passes, likely in the third week of August, ahead of the term’s October 27 deadline.
- Shas and United Torah Judaism demanded a bill exempting ultra‑Orthodox men from conscription.
- Degel Hatorah (UTJ faction) now calls for the government’s collapse, with Rabbi Dov Lando saying he has lost faith in Netanyahu.
- Israeli Defense Forces issued tens of thousands of draft notices after the Israeli High Court ordered conscription of ultra‑Orthodox men in 2024, but compliance remained minimal.
Why it matters: The early election threatens Netanyahu’s grip on power, while ultra‑Orthodox parties risk losing political leverage; the looming vote forces the government to address the draft impasse before the August election, reshaping Israel’s defense recruitment and coalition stability.
