Ultra-Orthodox Party Withdraws Support for Netanyahu, Complicating Israeli Coalition Talks
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suffered a setback Thursday when the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party declined to recommend him to President Isaac Herzog for forming the next coalition government. UTJ, which won seven parliamentary seats, withheld support for any candidate, leaving Netanyahu's bloc with 46 lawmakers against 48 for opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot has secured recommendations from 56 parliamentarians, including the Arab Ra'am party. The party's decision stems from demands to preserve military service exemptions for yeshiva students. UTJ hasn't joined Eisenkot's bloc, leaving its coalition participation open. President Herzog continues consultations with remaining parties before deciding who gets the mandate.