UTJ, made up of the Degel Hatorah and Agudat Yisrael factions, said its members were quitting after repeated government delays in legislating exemptions for seminary students. Chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf had already stepped down last month, and six other UTJ lawmakers submitted resignation letters this week.

Degel Hatorah issued a statement saying the decision followed consultations with its senior rabbis and accused the government of violating its coalition commitments. “The sanctity of Torah study cannot be compromised,” it declared.

The exit reduces Netanyahu’s parliamentary support to just 61 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, reviving fears of political instability.

Supreme Court Ruling Escalates Tensions

Ultra-Orthodox parties have long opposed mandatory military service, arguing that yeshiva study is equivalent to national duty. For decades, religious students were exempted, but the Israeli Supreme Court ordered the Defense Ministry last year to begin drafting them, citing constitutional equality.

The issue has sharply divided the coalition. Secular lawmakers demand universal service, especially amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. Meanwhile, religious factions insist on maintaining exemptions as a cornerstone of their identity and coalition agreements.

While the Shas party — another ultra-Orthodox ally — has not yet announced whether it will follow UTJ, political analysts warn the coalition could face further defections if the draft bill fails to progress.