The resignation of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party has left Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading a minority government, exposing the coalition’s weakened grip on power amid deep public discontent over the war and military draft policies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition has officially become a minority in the Knesset after the ultra-Orthodox Shas party’s withdrawal. The party, under the leadership of Aryeh Dery, stepped back citing opposition to plans for drafting yeshiva students into the military. The coalition now holds just 50 seats, aligning with its sagging public approval ratings since the October 7 attacks.

Though Shas and its Ashkenazi counterpart, United Torah Judaism, will not move to dismantle Netanyahu’s government during the upcoming recess, analysts suggest the coalition is unlikely to survive beyond October without a compromise on military draft laws. Elections are anticipated for February 2026 if no resolution is found.

Coalition Faces Mounting Public Fury

The public backlash against the exemption of ultra-Orthodox youth from military service has intensified after Israel’s military suffered nearly 900 casualties in 21 months of war. Religious leaders within Shas denounced efforts to draft yeshiva students as “persecution,” a stance that drew criticism for disrespecting those serving in the military.

The withdrawal was accompanied by inflammatory rhetoric from Religious Affairs Minister Michael Malkieli, who read a statement portraying conscription as a “cruel and sinful persecution” against Torah students.

Netanyahu’s Isolation Deepens

Netanyahu’s failure to prevent the Shas withdrawal highlights his increasing isolation, even among traditional allies. His government’s support for religious exemptions amid a national security crisis has further alienated the public and weakened his standing.

Yossi Verter, writing in Haaretz, described the coalition’s descent into minority status as exposing its illegitimacy in the eyes of the Israeli public after months of war and political turmoil. Netanyahu’s continued alliance with Haredi leaders at the expense of broader national consensus has fueled speculation over the government’s impending collapse.