Tensions within the Israeli government coalition continue to mount, as United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas maintain a coordinated boycott of all Knesset votes, demanding progress on legislation to secure continued draft exemptions for yeshiva bochurim.

The protest began last week after a senior IDF official, Brigadier General Shai Taib, warned of a growing shortage of manpower in the army, asserting that the IDF is short 12,000 soldiers—including 7,000 for combat roles. While the army’s concerns were presented in technical terms, many saw the comments as a signal toward renewed pressure on the chareidi community to increase enlistment.

In response, UTJ suspended its participation in all votes, effectively paralyzing parts of the coalition’s legislative agenda. Several bills scheduled for this past Wednesday—including proposals to restructure the attorney general’s role and raise salaries for ministers and MKs—were pulled from the Knesset calendar due to lack of support.

Shas has since joined UTJ in the boycott, dismissing appeals from coalition officials who warned of the potential fallout. According to Channel 13, figures close to Prime Minister Netanyahu have urged Shas to distance itself from UTJ’s stance, warning that the government could face instability. Shas responded bluntly: “We will not serve as a political safety net.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to participate in a closed-door meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday to address the issue. The discussion will reportedly focus on the IDF’s manpower concerns and the broader political ramifications of the chareidi draft exemption stalemate.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)