Netanyahu’s Coalition Reduced to Minority as Ultra-Orthodox Shas Party Exits Over Draft Law

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition has lost its parliamentary majority after a key ally, the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, quit the government on Wednesday, according to reports by Bloomberg and the Associated Press.

The fallout stems from a controversial bill that would tighten requirements for military service exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men—exemptions that have long been a point of political tension in Israel. Shas, which holds 11 seats in the Knesset, split with Netanyahu over the legislation but emphasized it does not intend to topple the government. With Shas out, Netanyahu’s bloc now holds 50 seats—well short of the 61 needed for a majority.

Earlier this week, the United Torah Judaism party, another ultra-Orthodox faction, also left the coalition for the same reason.

While Shas said it might still support some legislative efforts by the government, it would remain outside the ruling alliance. The departures, while politically damaging, are not expected to trigger snap elections at this time.

Impact on the Gaza War and Ceasefire Talks

Though now heading a minority government, Netanyahu may still press ahead with key national priorities, including ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas over the Gaza conflict. The talks, backed by the United States, are continuing despite domestic political upheaval.

However, Netanyahu may come under increasing pressure from his far-right allies, who remain staunchly opposed to any ceasefire as long as Hamas maintains a presence in Gaza.

This political shift marks a precarious new phase for Netanyahu’s leadership, complicating legislative efforts and potentially reshaping the direction of both domestic and wartime policy.