Netanyahu’s Government Plunged into Minority as Second Party Exits Coalition: What This Means for Israel
Date: July 17, 2025
Coalition Shaken to Its Core
In a stunning development that could redefine the Israeli political landscape, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition has lost its parliamentary majority after a second ultra-Orthodox party announced its departure. The move leaves Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, with only 50 out of 120 seats in the Knesset—turning his government into a vulnerable minority administration at a crucial moment for the country.
The Ultra-Orthodox Exodus
The catalyst for this crisis has been the deepening rift over the contentious issue of military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, Jewish men. For decades, a unique arrangement has allowed tens of thousands of Haredi yeshiva (seminary) students to avoid compulsory military conscription in order to focus on religious studies. However, as Israeli society has changed and the Supreme Court has ruled the arrangement unconstitutional, the pressure on the government to address the exemption has intensified.
The immediate spark for the current turmoil came when the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party announced it was leaving the coalition, citing Netanyahu’s failure to pass new legislation guaranteeing exemptions for their community. Their exit was swiftly followed by the Shas party, the other major Haredi faction, which also resigned from the government in protest over the same issue.
Although Shas clarified that it would remain loosely aligned with Netanyahu, providing “outside support” rather than formally joining the opposition, its departure was still a major blow. Netanyahu’s coalition—which had been hanging on by a slim majority since the last election—now finds itself with less than half the seats in Israel’s parliament.
The Military Draft Flashpoint
At the heart of the crisis is a question that has simmered in Israeli politics for decades: Should ultra-Orthodox men, whose lives are centered around religious study, be required to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) like their secular and religious-Zionist peers?
The arrangement dates back to the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, when only a few hundred Haredi students were exempted. But as the Haredi population has grown, so too has the controversy—especially as the rest of Israeli society bears the burden of universal conscription. In recent years, the Supreme Court has repeatedly struck down laws permitting these exemptions, calling for equal treatment for all citizens.
Netanyahu, reliant on the support of religious parties to stay in power, has struggled to find a compromise. The most recent attempt—a new law to enshrine the exemption—failed to gain the necessary backing, leading directly to the coalition collapse.
The Political Fallout: From Majority to Minority
The loss of both Shas and UTJ means Netanyahu’s government now holds only 50 of 120 Knesset seats—a clear minority. While Shas has promised not to join the opposition or actively bring down the government (at least for now), Netanyahu’s ability to govern and pass legislation is gravely weakened.
Israeli opposition leaders have seized on the opportunity, with Yair Lapid, a prominent centrist rival, declaring Netanyahu’s government “illegitimate.” Lapid and others are calling for snap elections, arguing that a government lacking a majority no longer has the mandate to lead.
What Happens Next? No Elections—Yet
Despite the political chaos, a change in government is not expected in the immediate term. The Knesset is set to begin its summer recess on July 27, making it unlikely that a no-confidence vote or other parliamentary maneuver will be attempted before the autumn session. This gives Netanyahu precious time to try and rebuild his coalition or negotiate a temporary compromise.
Some analysts believe Netanyahu may offer further concessions to the ultra-Orthodox parties in a last-ditch effort to lure them back. However, the political and social risks of such a move are high, given widespread public resentment over the exemptions and growing calls for military equality.
Broader Implications: Security, War, and Governance
This political crisis comes at a time of significant external and internal challenges for Israel. The country remains locked in conflict with Hamas in Gaza, faces ongoing tensions on its northern border with Hezbollah, and is managing a complex relationship with its key ally, the United States.
A minority government could struggle to make decisive security or economic decisions, risking policy paralysis at a moment when unified leadership is most needed. Furthermore, prolonged instability could deepen public frustration and polarize Israeli society even further.
A Government on Borrowed Time
With his parliamentary majority gone, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is on shaky ground. Unless he can quickly broker a compromise with the ultra-Orthodox parties or persuade other Knesset members to cross the aisle, his days as prime minister could be numbered.
For now, the fate of Israel’s leadership—and its policy on one of the most divisive issues in the nation’s history—hangs in the balance. All eyes will be on Jerusalem this fall, when the Knesset reconvenes and the next chapter in this political drama unfolds.
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