Shas Party Resigns from Government but Stays in Coalition

The Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of the Shas party unanimously decided on Wednesday to resign from the Israeli government due to ongoing disputes over the IDF’s draft law threatening yeshivas. However, the party will remain part of the governing coalition and has chosen not to support a no-confidence vote against the government.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the Nasi of the Moetzet, Rishon Letzion Harav Yitzchak Yosef which took place at the Shas headquarters in Jerusalem.

Despite the resignation of its ministers, Shas will continue to hold various positions in the Knesset. The decision follows the breakdown of negotiations over the IDF draft law with MK Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

The proposed law, which would affect yeshiva students’ exemptions from mandatory military service, has been a contentious issue for Chareidi community.

This move comes just two days after United Torah Judaism (UTJ) also withdrew its ministers from the government, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition with only 61 Knesset members. If Shas fully joins UTJ in this move, as appears likely, the coalition would be reduced to just 49 MKs, losing its parliamentary majority.Despite the severity of the situation, all factions estimate that the Knesset will not be dissolved in the coming weeks. The coalition is expected to attempt to hold on until the end of the summer session, navigating the political crisis while maintaining its fragile grip on power.