Orthodox Parties Threaten to Leave Netanyahu's Cabinet

TEHRAN (Defapress) - According to the Israeli media, Yedioth Ahronoth, Aryeh Deri, the leader of the Shas party, has changed his position and called for a coordinated withdrawal of all Orthodox representatives from the government. This comes as tensions have intensified in recent days due to the lack of progress in passing the military exemption bill.

Sources close to Yitzhak Goldknopf, one of the leaders of the United Torah, have warned that the party will leave the government if a legislative plan is not presented within the next 24 hours. The Degel HaTorah faction (a subsidiary of the United Torah) has also announced, after consulting with Haredi authorities, that it will take serious decisions if there is no legislative progress.

Neither party has spoken publicly about dissolving the Knesset, with their focus on leaving the government as a first step.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the bill to be expedited on Sunday during a meeting with Yuli Edelstein, the head of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. He promised to present a final draft by the end of the week, but warned that the process is very sensitive because of the need for amendments.

Both Shas and United Torah will hold key meetings on Monday. United Torah will discuss the issue of dissolving the Knesset, based on a proposal from the opposition. Shas will also hold a special meeting to discuss possible scenarios.