Netanyahu's government faces possible collapse as the opposition seeks
to dissolve parliament
[June 12, 2025]
By MELANIE LIDMAN
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government
faced a major test Wednesday after the opposition submitted a bill to
dissolve parliament, with his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners
threatening to support the measure and force early elections.
The ultra-Orthodox parties are furious that the government has failed to
pass a law exempting their community from mandatory military service, an
issue that has long divided the Jewish Israeli public, especially during
the 20-monthlong war in the Gaza Strip.
While many expect a last-minute compromise, the vote is the most serious
challenge to Netanyahu’s government since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack,
the biggest security failure in Israel’s history.
The opposition submitted a bill to dissolve the Knesset, Israel’s
parliament. In response, coalition members submitted numerous bills,
packing Wednesday's schedule and buying time for last-minute
negotiations.
The dissolution vote, if it is not pulled, is expected to take place
late at night. Separately, Argentina's President Javier Milei will
address the Knesset on Wednesday.
The bill must pass another three readings before parliament is
dissolved, a process that could take days or weeks.
Even if the bill passes, it could take weeks or months for new elections
to be called. If the bill fails, another vote for dissolution cannot be
brought again by the opposition for at least six months. The opposition
could still pull the bill if there isn’t enough support and submit it
again in the coming weeks.
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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men block a highway during a protest against
army recruitment in Bnei Brak, Israel, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP
Photo/Leo Correa)
Netanyahu’s coalition includes two ultra-Orthodox parties, and both
would need to support the dissolution bill for it to pass. On
Tuesday, top ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, rabbis issued a religious
decree emphasizing their stand against military service, which
complicates the Haredi politicians’ ability to negotiate.
Military service is mandatory for most Jews in Israel, but the
politically powerful ultra-Orthodox, who make up roughly 13% of
Israeli society, have traditionally received exemptions if they are
studying full-time in religious seminaries.
The ultra-Orthodox, also known as Haredim, or “God-fearing” in
Hebrew, say that integrating into the army threatens their
traditional way of life.
Israel is engaged in the longest active war in the country’s
history, which has stretched its military to the breaking point. The
Haredim’s widespread refusal to serve, and threats to topple the
government during wartime, have enraged many Israelis, especially
those who have served multiple rounds of reserve duty.
Since the start of the war, 866 Israeli soldiers have been killed.
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