Ultra-Orthodox Party Leaders Threaten Knesset Dissolution Over Draft Bill

The leaders of Degel Hatorah and Shas announced they would support dissolving the Knesset if no progress was made on the ultra-Orthodox draft bill. The statement came from MKs Moshe Gafni and Arye Deri, who head the two parties.

Background on the Draft Legislation The bill concerns mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men, a long-standing point of contention in Israeli coalition politics. Failure to advance the measure has repeatedly strained relations between the religious parties and other coalition members. The announcement sets a condition for continued participation in the current government.