Netanyahu’s Coalition Government Is Rattled

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli ultra-Orthodox party has announced plans to leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government. The decision destabilizes Netanyahu’s leadership amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The party, United Torah Judaism, cites disagreements over a bill granting military draft exemptions for its constituents. The issue has long divided Israelis and intensified as military demands grew during the war in Gaza. The departure, which goes into effect in 48 hours, leaves Netanyahu with a slim majority, increasing his reliance on far-right parties in his coalition. The political development comes as Israel and Hamas continue to discuss terms for a ceasefire.