Netanyahu's Coalition Saved, Decision on Mandatory Military Service Postponed

Coalition Agreement Reached

After weeks of negotiations, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition partners have reached an agreement that will keep his government in power.

The deal includes a number of concessions to the ultra-Orthodox parties, who had threatened to bring down the government if their demands were not met.

Among the concessions is a delay in the decision on whether to reinstate mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men.

Controversy over Mandatory Military Service

The issue of mandatory military service has been a contentious one in Israel for years.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews have traditionally been exempt from military service, but in recent years there has been a growing movement to require them to serve.

Supporters of mandatory military service argue that it is unfair for ultra-Orthodox men to be exempt from the same obligations as other Israeli citizens.

Opponents argue that mandatory military service would interfere with the religious studies of ultra-Orthodox men.

Delay in Decision

The new coalition agreement delays the decision on mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men for six months.

During that time, a committee will be formed to study the issue and make recommendations.

The committee will be composed of representatives from the government, the ultra-Orthodox parties, and the Israeli Defense Forces.