Ultra-Orthodox Parties Threaten to Leave Netanyahu Coalition Over Draft Exemptions

Leaders of the Shas and Degel Hatorah parties met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday and demanded immediate action on two pieces of legislation. They called for the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee and the Knesset Committee to convene this week to advance a Basic Law on Torah Study and a law ending arrests of Torah students.

The leaders stated that Netanyahu indicated he is committed to approving the laws and will work to move them quickly. The meeting followed the parties' earlier refusal to attend a session planned for Monday. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri told his party's lawmakers on Monday that the coalition would not receive support for any legislation until the two measures advance.

Background on exemptions A High Court of Justice ruling last year ended automatic exemptions from military service for Haredi men who study Torah full time. The court held that the exemptions were illegal while other citizens serve during a period of war and manpower shortages.

Haredi men have protested the change with demonstrations that have included road blockades and clashes with police. On Monday night, officers in Beit Shemesh responded after protesters attempted to free a man arrested for draft evasion.

Timeline pressure Israel's next election must be held by October 27.

The Knesset must dissolve at least 90 days before that date, and the body's pre-election recess begins in mid-July, narrowing the window for any legislative action. A Ynet report said the Haredi parties have reached a private agreement with Netanyahu that would pass the Torah Study law and end draft arrests in exchange for dropping demands for daycare subsidies and kosher-food reforms.