Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Israeli opposition softens stance on military draft to challenge Netanyahu
Israeli opposition parties are moderating their position on conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews as a potential strategy to form a coalition government and remove Benjamin Netanyahu from power. The political shift comes after October elections failed to produce a clear majority for either Netanyahu or challenger Gadi Eisenkot.
LSN Malaysia ·
Israel's opposition has signalled flexibility on the contentious issue of military service for ultra-Orthodox citizens, a move aimed at building a viable coalition to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The gesture represents a significant compromise on a historically divisive issue that has repeatedly stalled coalition negotiations in Israeli politics.
The October 27 elections left the Israeli parliament fragmented, with neither Netanyahu nor opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot securing a clear majority. The outcome reflected deep political divisions within Israeli society, compounded by war fatigue following sustained military operations in Gaza that have dominated the national agenda since October 2023.
The ultra-Orthodox draft issue has long been a flashpoint in Israeli coalition politics, with secular and centrist parties demanding equal military service obligations while ultra-Orthodox parties seek exemptions for their members. By softening their stance on this traditional red-line issue, opposition parties are attempting to create space for negotiations with religious factions that could potentially support an alternative government.
The political arithmetic in Israel's 120-seat Knesset remains complex, with multiple parties holding potential kingmaker status. Coalition formation talks are expected to intensify in coming weeks as various political blocs seek to construct a governing majority. The willingness of opposition parties to compromise on the draft issue signals their determination to present Netanyahu with a credible alternative government.