The exit occurred amid a widening crisis over conscription of the ultra-Orthodox population into the military. UTJ and its religious allies have long resisted drafts of yeshiva students, a contentious debate that has polarized Israeli society for decades.

Shas, UTJ s other ultra-Orthodox partner, is also said to be weighing a similar option. If Shas follows through, Netanyahu’s coalition would lose its majority in the Knesset.

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In protest, six members of UTJ last night tendered their resignations as parliamentary committee members and government officials. They have served notice within 48 hours, leaving Netanyahu with a slim window to respond to their demands to maintain military exemptions for yeshiva students.

Netanyahu has been making strong efforts to break the impasse over the new military draft bill, which triggered the current political crisis.

He faces mounting pressure from within his own Likud party to enforce conscription on ultra-Orthodox men and penalize draft evaders. However, this stance directly clashes with the Shas party’s demand for legislation that permanently exempts its members from military service.

Netanyahu’s coalition, established in December 2022, is considered one of the most right-wing governments in Israel’s history.