Israel's governing coalition has submitted a proposal for early elections following ongoing rifts with government allies over the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews. If approved by the Knesset next week, a general election would likely take place within 90 days, probably in the third week of August—two months earlier than the current term's end on October 27.
The crisis began in July 2025, when the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ) withdrew from the coalition. They demanded that the government pass a bill exempting the Haredi community from military service. While these parties continued to support the government on key votes, a UTJ faction led by Degel Hatorah called for dissolving the government. The party's spiritual leader, Rabbi Dov Lando, declared he had lost confidence in Prime Minister Netanyahu.
“From now on, we will only do what is good for Haredi Judaism and the yeshiva world. We must act to dissolve the Knesset as soon as possible. The concept of a 'bloc' no longer exists for us,” Rabbi Lando told UTJ lawmakers.
History of Military Service Exemptions
Since Israel's founding in 1948, Haredi men studying full-time at religious institutions have been exempt from military service. However, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled this exemption illegal in 1998. In 2024, the court again ordered the government to begin drafting Haredi individuals. In response, the military issued around 24,000 enlistment orders, but only about 1,200 have complied so far.
Social Views and Challenges
The Haredi refusal to enlist is often based on religious beliefs and a desire to preserve a lifestyle centered on Torah study, which they argue serves as Israel's spiritual backbone. However, polls show about 80% of Israelis support mandatory enlistment or sanctions against those who refuse. The Israel Democracy Institute surveyed last year and found 85% of Israelis backed measures including ending state subsidies for religious students.
Security Pressure After Military Campaigns
Speaking before the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday, Israeli military Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned that the current burden on regular and reserve forces is unsustainable.
“I am not dealing with political or legislative processes. I have to handle a multi-front war and defeat the enemy. To continue doing that, the IDF needs many more soldiers immediately,” Lieutenant General Zamir said. He stressed that drafting the Haredi is a “vital necessity” to sustain military operations. Military commanders say troop shortages could lead to increased civilian casualties in the region.
