Another key ally quits Netanyahu’s governing coalition in a major blow to Israel’s leader
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suffered a major political blow overnight as a key governing partner announced it was quitting his coalition government, leaving him with a minority in parliament as the country faces a litany of challenges.
Shas, an ultra-Orthodox party that has long served as kingmaker in Israeli politics, announced that it would bolt the government over disagreements surrounding a proposed law that would enshrine broad military draft exemptions for its constituents – the second ultra-Orthodox governing party to do so this week.
"In this current situation, it's impossible to sit in the government and to be a partner in it," Shas cabinet minister Michael Malkieli said in announcing the party's decision.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne...