Ultra-Orthodox Party’s Resignation Threatens Majority Amid Gaza Truce Talks and Rising Political Turmoil

Israel’s ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is on the brink of collapse following a major rift over military recruitment policies. The ultra-Orthodox religious party United Torah Judaism (UTJ), a key coalition partner, has announced its resignation from parliament and the cabinet, jeopardizing Netanyahu’s parliamentary majority.

According to a report by Reuters on Tuesday, July 15, six UTJ members of the Knesset have already submitted their resignation letters, which will become effective after 48 hours. The party cited the government’s failure to uphold its promise to exempt ultra-Orthodox religious students from mandatory military service as the primary reason for their departure, calling into question the justification for remaining in the coalition.

Compounding the crisis, speculation has arisen that another close ally, the Shas party, may also exit the coalition. Should Shas withdraw, Netanyahu’s government would lose its majority in the parliament entirely, deepening the political instability.

With the UTJ resignations taking effect in 48 hours, Netanyahu faces a narrow window to salvage the coalition and avert the government’s downfall. While the Knesset is scheduled to enter summer recess later this month—temporarily easing immediate collapse concerns—political analysts view the developments as a severe warning to Netanyahu’s leadership.

The political turbulence comes amid intense pressure on Netanyahu regarding ceasefire negotiations with Hamas in Gaza. Qatar is mediating discussions aimed at establishing a 60-day ceasefire, which could include the release of some prisoners held by Hamas and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

However, hardline right-wing coalition members, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, oppose any ceasefire, advocating for continued military operations. Despite this, Netanyahu’s close aide Topaz Luk told Army Radio that there is sufficient support within the cabinet to approve a ceasefire should a formal proposal be presented to parliament.

The ongoing conflict has increasingly alienated many ordinary Israelis, as the military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has resulted in unprecedented casualties. Israel has reportedly lost approximately 450 soldiers—the highest toll in recent history—while Gaza’s health ministry states that over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed and much of the territory has been reduced to rubble.

Nearly two million Palestinians have been displaced and face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, creating a dire humanitarian crisis. Amid this backdrop, the dispute over military recruitment has intensified the political instability.

Ultra-Orthodox students, traditionally exempt from compulsory service, have long resisted enlistment. However, the government’s new recruitment legislation aims to include them, sparking fierce opposition from UTJ and other religious factions.

This issue has become a flashpoint, fracturing Netanyahu’s coalition and thrusting the government into a precarious position as it struggles to maintain unity and address the broader national crisis.