Israeli ultra-Orthodox party threatens to topple government over draft bill delay

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Degel HaTorah party renewed threats Tuesday to topple the government and push for early elections after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly hinted at delaying a contentious military conscription bill until after the general election, Anadolu reports. The Knesset term ends in October, after which Israel is scheduled to hold national elections. Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael form the ultra-Orthodox alliance United Torah Judaism, a partner in Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition government. The alliance holds seven seats in the 120-member Knesset and is seeking support from the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, which has 11 seats. Even if the alliance withdraws, the government would still retain 68 seats, meaning its departure would not necessarily collapse the coalition. It is not the first […]