Shas is threatening to oppose the 2026 state budget unless the coalition first passes its draft law regulating Charedi conscription and exemptions. The budget must be approved by March 31 or the government will fall and early elections will be triggered. Shas spokesman Asher Medina said the law is essential to protect full-time Torah study.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has urged coalition lawmakers to speed up the legislation, which critics say still contains major loopholes.

Around 80,000 Haredi men are currently eligible for service but have not enlisted, while the IDF says it urgently needs 12,000 new recruits.