NYT: Israeli prime minister may face resignation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing the possibility of resignation as disagreements within his coalition intensify over the issue of military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The New York Times (NYT) highlights the rift within Netanyahu's coalition, comprised of a right-wing alliance of secular and ultra-Orthodox lawmakers.
According to NYT, the potential revocation of the exemption for ultra-Orthodox young Jews from military service could lead to the collapse of the coalition. Should this happen, it is speculated that elections may be imminent in Israel, and Netanyahu's position could be at risk.
The longstanding discontent within Israeli society regarding the privileges afforded to ultra-Orthodox Jews is a key point of contention. Instead of serving in the military, ultra-Orthodox individuals have historically been permitted to pursue religious studies in seminaries, receiving substantial subsidies in the process.
Critics argue that this arrangement not only places a disproportionate burden on other sectors of society but also hampers the country's economy, as the ultra-Orthodox community contributes less and often evades military service.
As tensions mount within Netanyahu's coalition, the possibility of significant political upheaval looms over Israel, with the fate of the prime minister hanging in the balance.