JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile right-wing coalition narrowly survived a critical opposition-led motion to dissolve the Knesset on Wednesday, averting the prospect of early elections that polls suggest his government would likely lose.
The motion, which required 61 votes to pass in the 120-member Knesset, was defeated with 61 lawmakers voting against and 53 in favor. The vote followed rising tensions over a controversial military draft bill that has fractured Netanyahu’s coalition, especially among ultra-Orthodox parties.
The victory grants Netanyahu’s coalition more time to address what is widely viewed as its most serious internal crisis, sparked by disagreements over whether to extend military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox seminary students.
“I am pleased to announce that after long discussions we have reached agreements on the principles on which the draft law will be based,” said Yuli Edelstein, Chairman of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.
The issue of military conscription has long stirred public debate in Israel, but the controversy has intensified during the ongoing war in Gaza. As the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) face significant casualties and mounting manpower shortages, public pressure has grown for all sectors of Israeli society, including the ultra-Orthodox, to share the burden of service.
Ultra-Orthodox coalition members had threatened to side with the opposition unless concessions were made, signaling growing impatience with the government’s indecision. Their eventual agreement to delay support for dissolution helped Netanyahu survive the challenge, though underlying tensions remain unresolved.
Opposition leaders, however, say the reprieve is only temporary. Labour Party MP Merav Michaeli criticized Netanyahu’s leadership, stating, “It’s more urgent than ever to replace Netanyahu’s toxic and harmful government. We must end the war in Gaza, bring back the hostages, and begin rebuilding the nation.”
Netanyahu now faces increasing pressure to present a finalized conscription plan that balances coalition unity with national security needs — a challenge that could define the political landscape in the months ahead.
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