Prime Minister Netanyahu’s governing coalition has shrunk from 68 to 61 seats—just barely above the threshold for a majority—after the ultra-Orthodox parties Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael withdrew in protest over the new IDF draft exemption legislation. The Shas party is also reportedly on the verge of exiting, which would reduce the coalition to just 50 seats.

The resignations will take effect in 48 hours, leaving Netanyahu with a brief window to salvage his coalition. With the Knesset’s summer recess starting in 12 days, and the risk of early elections growing if the coalition unravels afterward, the political crisis is intensifying.

Despite their anger, the ultra-Orthodox factions are still pushing to pass legislation that would formally exempt yeshiva students from military service, leaving open a narrow path toward compromise.