The ultra -orthodox party United Judaism Tora (UTJ) on Monday evening stepped out of the Israeli government and the coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, AP reported on Tuesday, TASR writes. She was the first to announce her departure from the coalition of the Ashkenazian fraction UTJ Degel Ha-tut, and later the mostly Hasid Fraction Agudat Jisrael joined it.
Jerusalem MEIR Minister explained that the decision on leaving the government was made after aware of the wording of the new draft law on the Board Duties of Charedim. According to the infringement, the law “does not satisfy the demands of UTJ and its spiritual leaders”.
Among those who have already resigned from UTJ’s departure, there are chairman of the Financial Committee of the Israeli Knesset Moša Gafni, Deputy Minister of Transport URI Maklev and Minister Meir. Their resignation will come into effect by 48 hours, which gives the Prime Minister Netanyahu time to try to persuade them to review the decision, AP added.
Do not have the power to overthrow government
The UTJ’s resignation followed the previous threats that the party would leave the coalition unless it is submitted to the bill that would liberate ultra -orthodox men from military service.
While Utj has fulfilled its threat, the ultra -orthodox party has not yet done so far – despite the fact that it allegedly released its own ultimatum on Sunday. He has not yet publicly commented on the departure of the Ashnazian UTJ or not even stated whether and when it would follow.
With seven deputies, Utj does not have enough power to degenerate the government itself, which has some support in the Kneset 68 out of 120 deputies.
Ultra -orthodox Jews have an exception to the military duty since the foundation of the state in 1948. At that time, they accounted for about five percent of the population, today they are approximately 13 percent. Ultra -orthodox parties that, according to AFP, allow Prime Minister Netanyahu to stay in power, have long -term categorically reject mandatory men’s levies from their community.
Most of the ultra -orthodox men in Israel is not obliged to enlist into the army, although the legal framework that allowed this exemption was repeatedly contested and abolished by the Supreme Court. In practice, however, the system of temporary exceptions still operates, which the government prolongs or tries to anchor them with new laws.
Part of the company is dissatisfied with the system
Most Israelis have a compulsory military service – men lasting 32 months, women 24 months. Ultra -orthodox men who study in the Ješiva can apply for a postponement or exception – in some cases for life. This system provokes strong resistance and a sense of injustice in the section of society, especially during the war when the pressure on the army is huge.
Departure of UTJ comes in the critical period of the war in the Palestinian Gaza Strip, where negotiations on the ceasefire between Israel and the radical Palestinian movement Hamas are taking place. Despite the pressure of the US, Egypt and Qatar, the agreement between them is not yet within reach. In particular, the question is whether the ceasefire will end the war itself – which the far right refuses in Netanyahu’s government until Hamas is destroyed.
While Netanyahu can still be convinced to return, analysts – as the Friedman of the Friedman of the Institute for the Policy of the Jewish Nation – claim that the differences between the bill and UTJ requirements are too much, so a compromise for 48 hours is unlikely.
