Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Aug 7: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is facing growing political pressure ahead of the October 27 general election after backing legislation that would prevent the arrest of ultra-Orthodox Jews who refuse compulsory military service, a move that has drawn criticism from sections of his support base.
Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party and a long-time advocate of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, has faced backlash from some nationalist voters who believe military service should apply equally to all citizens.
The controversy centres on a law passed by Israel's parliament last month that sought to prevent the arrest of ultra-Orthodox Jews who avoid military conscription. The legislation has since been blocked by Israel's Supreme Court.
Although Smotrich has maintained that ultra-Orthodox Jews should serve in the military, he has argued that arrests would deepen divisions within Israeli society and that the issue should be resolved through dialogue and consensus.
The dispute has exposed tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, which includes both Religious Zionism and ultra-Orthodox parties with differing views on compulsory military service.
The issue gained prominence after Israel's Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that long-standing exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox students studying in religious institutions were unlawful.
Several of Smotrich's supporters have expressed disappointment over his position, arguing that continued exemptions place an unfair burden on reserve soldiers, many of whom have served extensively since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict following the October 2023 Hamas attack.
Political analysts believe Smotrich's stance reflects an effort to preserve the stability of Netanyahu's coalition while continuing to advance his agenda on settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
Opinion polls suggest that Religious Zionism could struggle to cross the electoral threshold required to enter parliament in the upcoming election.
Despite the declining support, analysts believe Netanyahu may seek to unite right-wing parties before the election to ensure that Smotrich and other coalition allies remain politically relevant in the next government.