Netanyahu's coalition prospects dim as Israeli ultra-Orthodox party withholds support

Israel's ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party declined to endorse outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during consultations with President Isaac Herzog, leaving him with 46 parliamentary recommendations versus 56 for opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot. The party's decision follows frustration over stalled legislation guaranteeing yeshiva student military exemptions, a key ultra-Orthodox demand. UTJ stated support for any future government depends on passing such a law, complicating potential talks with Eisenkot's bloc, which prioritizes ultra-Orthodox conscription. Herzog continues consultations before selecting a candidate to form a government. The move marks a break from UTJ's historic alliance with Netanyahu, amid speculation about a possible minority government led by Eisenkot without formal UTJ participation.