United Torah Judaism Withdraws from the Government Over Draft Exemption Dispute

In a dramatic political development, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) announced Monday evening its withdrawal from the government and coalition, citing a breakdown in negotiations over a long-promised draft exemption law for yeshiva students. The decision, taken at the directive of senior rabbis, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the ultra-Orthodox parties and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

The two factions that make up United Torah Judaism — Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael — declared they were resigning from their government and Knesset coalition positions, following rabbinical instruction. The move comes in response to what UTJ claims are unacceptable changes in the proposed draft exemption bill presented by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein.

In an official statement, UTJ leaders stated that the new legislation “deviates significantly from the agreements” reached a month ago, ahead of Israel’s recent military operation in Iran. Senior rabbis, including Rabbi Dov Landau and Rabbi Hirsch, gave a clear directive for immediate withdrawal, citing the government’s repeated failures to uphold commitments to Torah students and regulate their legal status.

Coalition Crisis Deepens

The resignation of UTJ’s seven MKs, combined with the recent departure of MK Avi Maoz, leaves the coalition with a fragile 60–61 seat majority in the 120-member Knesset. While UTJ is not currently supporting a motion to dissolve the Knesset or initiate a vote of no-confidence, its departure places Netanyahu’s coalition on shaky ground.

Political observers say it is unlikely that UTJ will continue to support the government from outside, although with only a week and a half left before the Knesset recesses for three months, some analysts believe the Haredi factions will avoid pushing for immediate elections.

In response, Netanyahu is reportedly making urgent efforts to prevent further erosion of coalition support, especially from Shas, another ultra-Orthodox party with 11 Knesset seats. If Shas joins UTJ in exiting the coalition, the government would be reduced to a minority status, though not immediately toppled.

Replacement Process Underway

UTJ members currently hold ministerial and deputy ministerial roles, as well as leadership of several Knesset committees. Their resignations are expected to take effect within 48 hours, with replacement of committee chairs managed through the Knesset committee.

Despite the crisis, Netanyahu still has limited time to negotiate or modify the draft law in hopes of placating the ultra-Orthodox factions and stabilizing the coalition.

Rabbis: Government Betraying Commitments

A handwritten letter by Rabbi Dov Landau, circulated last night, stated that the government is “complicating the lives of Torah students” and failing in its duty to protect their status. The letter called for a total end to cooperation with the government and coalition, including immediate resignation from all related posts. Rabbi Hirsch endorsed the letter this morning, giving it collective weight from the Council of Torah Elders.

In line with the directive, Degel HaTorah MKs formally submitted their resignations earlier today.

Edelstein Under Pressure, Law Delayed

Sources close to Netanyahu say he placed intense pressure on Edelstein to present the draft law urgently in an effort to head off the crisis. However, Edelstein’s associates indicated that the legislation “will likely not be submitted tonight”, deepening frustration within the ultra-Orthodox bloc.

This political rupture coincides with national mourning over the deaths of three IDF soldiers killed in northern Gaza earlier Monday — adding to the complexity of a day filled with both military and political upheaval.