Another key ally of Netanyahu is quitting, leaving him with minority in Israeli Parliament

A key governing partner of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) it is quitting the government, leaving him with a minority in Parliament.

The Shas ultra-Orthodox party said it was leaving over disagreements surrounding a proposed law meant to grant wide military draft exemptions to its constituents.

A second ultra-Orthodox party quit earlier this week over the same issue.

Leading a minority government would make governing a challenge for Mr. Netanyahu. But Shas said it would not work to undermine the coalition once outside it and could vote with it on some laws. It also wouldn’t support its collapse.

The political turmoil comes as Israel and Hamas are negotiating on a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

While the shakeup in Mr. Netanyahu’s government won’t necessarily derail the talks, the Israeli leader will be more susceptible to the demands of his far-right coalition partners, who oppose ending the 21-month war while Hamas remains intact.