Netanyahu government rocked as key party quits coalition

• Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition faces instability after the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party announced its withdrawal.
• The party's departure stems from deep disagreements over a proposed bill that would enshrine military draft exemptions for its constituents, a contentious issue in Israel.
• This move, which becomes official within 48 hours, will leave Netanyahu with a slim majority, potentially increasing his reliance on far-right parties.
• The political shake-up occurs amidst ongoing, stalled truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with far-right coalition members opposing concessions.
• The split doesn’t immediately threaten Netanyahu's rule due to procedural reasons, and the summer parliamentary recess offers Netanyahu a window for potential reconciliation with United Torah Judaism.

IN FULL

Netanyahu’s government on edge as ultra-Orthodox party quits coalition over military draft law