Could Netanyahu’s Government Be Toppled by Israel’s High Court Ruling to Stop Funding Seminaries?

Israel’s Supreme Court ruling curtailing subsidies for ultra-Orthodox men has sent shockwaves through Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, raising doubts about its stability as the country continues its war efforts in Gaza.

The court’s decision, which requires Netanyahu to present a plan to dismantle a system that favors the ultra-Orthodox over the secular Jewish public, has put the Prime Minister in a precarious position. If he alienates the ultra-Orthodox lawmakers who support his coalition, it could lead to its collapse and potentially trigger new elections.

The ruling targets a system that has long granted exemptions to ultra-Orthodox men studying in religious seminaries, or yeshivas, while the rest of the population serves in the military. This disparity has fueled resentment among the broader public, especially during the ongoing war in which hundreds of soldiers have been killed and many lives disrupted.

While the court’s decision has been celebrated by many Israelis as a step towards equality, ultra-Orthodox leaders have vehemently opposed it, viewing it as an attack on their way of life and religious freedoms.

Netanyahu, facing pressure from both sides, must navigate carefully to maintain his coalition’s stability. The outcome of this political battle could have far-reaching implications for Israeli society and the future of its government. As tensions rise and the deadline looms, all eyes are on Netanyahu as he seeks a compromise to avert a potential political crisis.