Mandatory military service for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox tests Netanyahu’s rule
Associated PressJUN 11
Israel: Ultra-Orthodox Party Quits Netanyahu's Coalition Government
Above: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pictured in the Knesset on June 11, 2015. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The culmination of UTJ's departure from the coalition can only be blamed on its leadership which for years has rejected even the most modest reforms to conscription. They misread the mood of the country, which now expects all of Israel's citizens to contribute to its defense, and as a result, the ultra-Orthodox will now be forced to accept less favorable conditions from their perspective.
Government-critical narrative
Torah studies are a sacred element of the fabric of Israel that date back to the founding of the country. UTJ's entry into the coalition was contingent on this crucial exemption being protected by the government. Now that it is deceptively going back on its word, UTJ can not, in good faith, stand with the government.