• United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has resigned from Netanyahu's coalition, citing military draft disputes.
• Shas party follows suit, leaving Netanyahu with a slim parliamentary majority.
• The political crisis arises amidst increasing demands for military manpower amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza.
• Netanyahu faces significant pressure to negotiate a new conscription bill to satisfy ultra-Orthodox parties.
• The departures raise the specter of early elections, although Shas has not fully broken ties with the coalition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition has suffered a major blow as the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party announced its departure over unresolved disputes regarding military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox students. This decision leaves him with just a 61-seat majority in the 120-seat Knesset, significantly weakening his governing position, according to South China Morning Post, TRT Global, and Al Jazeera.

Following UTJ's exit, the Shas party also withdrew from the coalition, exacerbating Netanyahu’s vulnerabilities. Shas, which had been a critical ally, voiced similar grievances related to the legislation aimed at exempting its members from military service, echoing sentiments shared by Rabbi Dov Landau regarding government commitments, as reported by Reuters and Anadolu Agency.

This turmoil comes amid an ongoing military conflict in Gaza, where increasing casualties amplify the urgency for military personnel. The ultra-Orthodox exemption from conscription has faced scrutiny, especially after the Supreme Court mandated the end of exemptions last year, provoking significant public debate within Israel, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

While Netanyahu still retains an operational government structure, his ability to govern effectively is jeopardized. Shas announced that they would maintain parliamentary support but withdraw from cabinet roles, presenting a temporary lifeline for the Prime Minister as he navigates this challenging landscape. This political shake-up coincides with complex negotiations with Hamas, as Netanyahu's remaining coalition partners apply pressure for an aggressive military stance, according to Los Angeles Times and Le Monde.