Coalition shake-up in Israel: Netanyahu loses majority as key partner exits; ultra-orthodox party Shas walks out over military draft dispute

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authorities misplaced its parliamentary majority on Wednesday after the ultra-orthodox Shas party introduced its resolution to stop the ruling coalition.Shas cited disagreements over a proposed legislation associated to military draft exemptions for non secular college students. The party opposes laws that might restrict the broad exemptions historically granted to ultra-orthodox males.The departure of Shas follows the sooner exit of one other ultra-orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), which stop the coalition earlier this week over the identical dispute.With each non secular events now outdoors the federal government, Netanyahu is left main a minority coalition, complicating his potential to cross laws and handle inside stress from far-right allies.However, Shas clarified that it doesn’t intend to destabilize the coalition. The party mentioned it could nonetheless vote with the federal government on sure payments and doesn’t plan to push for the federal government’s collapse.The political setback comes as Israel engages in negotiations with Hamas over a US-backed ceasefire proposal in Gaza. While the federal government shake-up doesn’t instantly halt talks, it leaves Netanyahu extra depending on his remaining far-right companions, who oppose any deal that leaves Hamas operational.For now, Netanyahu stays in workplace however with weakened political management.