• Israel's Knesset rejected a vote to dissolve itself, indicating Netanyahu's government stability.
• Opposition aimed to capitalize on public anger over ultra-Orthodox military service exemptions.
• The ultra-Orthodox parties reached a deal that prevented the bill's passage, consolidating Netanyahu's power temporarily.

In a pivotal vote early Thursday, the Israeli Knesset rejected a motion to dissolve itself, allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to avert an immediate crisis. This preliminary vote saw 61 lawmakers opposing the dissolution against 53 supporters, marking a significant moment for Netanyahu amid the ongoing conflict following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that has sparked a prolonged war in Gaza. The failure of this motion also means no similar proposals can be introduced for at least six months, shoring up Netanyahu's ruling coalition for now, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

The motion to dissolve arose from ongoing tensions surrounding the ultra-Orthodox community's exemptions from mandatory military service, a contentious issue that has divided public opinion in Israel, especially during the ongoing conflict. The ultra-Orthodox parties had previously indicated they might support the opposition's efforts, but ultimately most legislators chose to back Netanyahu, reportedly after reaching an understanding over a new draft bill on military service, as stated by Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, according to HuffPost and TRT Global.

The ultra-Orthodox community, which constitutes about 13% of Israel's population, has traditionally received exemptions based on religious studies, a practice that prompted considerable debate and frustration among those advocating for military service adherence during wartime. This political maneuvering comes in the context of Israel's longest active war, which has put severe pressure on military resources and public sentiment regarding service requirements, as discussed in reports from TRT Global and New York Times.

Furthermore, some ultra-Orthodox lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress regarding legislation that would formally secure their exemption from military service. Despite the alliance holding significant power, the political landscape remains tense, given the broader implications of military service debates during a time of significant conflict, which has intensified public scrutiny of the government. Observations noted that the prevalent refusal to enlist has been a source of anger among many Israelis who have actively served, as highlighted in statements by Channel News Asia and Le Monde.