In a tense and closely-watched session at the Israeli Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile right-wing coalition managed to stave off an attempt by the opposition to dissolve parliament, thereby averting the prospect of early elections. The dramatic showdown, which took place on Thursday, ended with 61 lawmakers voting against the motion while 53 supported it, according to reports from international news outlets including AFP.
The move to dismantle the 120-member parliament was championed by centrist and left-leaning parties, who sought to capitalise on simmering discontent within Netanyahu’s camp, especially over disagreements surrounding military conscription laws for the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. These laws have become increasingly contentious as Israel’s war in Gaza, now dragging into its 20th month, places mounting pressure on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is reportedly grappling with manpower shortages.
The spotlight was particularly fixed on ultra-Orthodox parties within the coalition, many of whose constituents have traditionally been exempt from compulsory military service on religious grounds. While a few ultra-Orthodox lawmakers broke ranks to back the opposition’s proposal, the majority rallied behind Netanyahu, preserving the government’s grip on power, at least for the time being.
This political manoeuvre means that the opposition will now be unable to submit a similar motion for another six months, effectively freezing any immediate push for new elections. The vote also provided a temporary cushion for Netanyahu’s government, which has been under immense pressure both domestically and internationally over its handling of the Gaza conflict and internal socio-political fractures.
Amid the tension, senior Likud party member Yuli Edelstein revealed that coalition members had reached a consensus on the framework for a new conscription law. Though specifics were not publicly disclosed, Edelstein, who chairs the relevant legislative committee, stated that the proposed legislation aims to broaden the military’s recruitment base and enhance Israel’s national security apparatus.
“As I’ve always maintained, only a practical and impactful law that genuinely expands the recruitment base of the Israeli military will be produced by the committee I head,” Edelstein posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “This is a historic step towards meaningful reform in Israeli society and a boost to national defence,” he asserted.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also weighed in strongly, cautioning that pushing the country into elections amid an ongoing war would jeopardise Israel’s stability. Addressing parliamentarians, Smotrich declared, “History will not forgive anyone who drags the State of Israel into elections during wartime.” He further emphasized the urgent need for all sectors of Israeli society—including the ultra-Orthodox—to share the burden of national defence.
However, opposition leader Yair Lapid was less than impressed by the outcome, suggesting that the coalition’s survival was less a demonstration of political strength and more a symptom of decay within the Israeli political system. Lapid lamented what he described as a missed opportunity for meaningful change and accused the Netanyahu-led government of clinging to power while evading necessary reforms.
With tensions still high and the war in Gaza showing no clear end in sight, the Israeli political landscape remains as volatile as ever. For now, Netanyahu lives to fight another day, but the deep-rooted issues dividing the country—especially around military service and national duty, remain far from resolved.
