Ultra-Orthodox Minister Goldknopf Threatens to Overthrow Israeli Government

Israeli Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf , leader of the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) United Torah Judaism Party and one of the coalition partners in Israel , threatened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the overthrow of his government.

According to The Times of Israel, Goldknopf announced that they would overthrow the government if the bill that would exempt Haredim from compulsory military service again was not passed by the Israeli parliament before the budget.

'THERE ARE TWO OPTIONS IN FRONT OF US'

Goldknopf, who emphasized that the law that would allow Haredim to be exempted from compulsory military service again should be given priority, said: "We have two options: Either they will postpone this law and we will go to elections this summer, or they will bring the law before the budget and the government will continue on its path."

Goldknopf complained that Prime Minister Netanyahu and the government were delaying the law, which should have been passed much earlier, with various excuses.

Israel's 2025 state budget must be approved by the end of March, otherwise the government will fall and early elections will be held.

Israeli media claimed that Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting this week that the budget would be passed first, to which Goldknopf responded that his party would not be able to remain in government in that case.

DISCUSSIONS ABOUT EXEMPTION FROM MILITARY SERVICE

According to Israeli law, everyone over the age of 18 must complete compulsory military service, but the exemption of Haredim from military service has been a topic of debate in the country for years.

Israel's Supreme Court ruled on June 25 that there was no legal basis for exempting Haredi men from compulsory military service and that those who were fit for military service should be drafted.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz approved the army's decision to call up 7,000 Haredim on November 15.

In early February, it was reported that more than 1,200 young ultra-Orthodox Jews were issued with detention orders and travel bans.

Haredim, who make up about 12 percent of the population, oppose conscription and say they have dedicated their lives to studying the Torah.