Tue Jul 15 17:31:33 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article rewrite, keeping an Indian perspective in mind:

**Summary**

An ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), has announced its departure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government due to disagreements over a bill that would codify military draft exemptions for Jewish seminary students. This departure weakens Netanyahu’s coalition, leaving him with a slim majority and increased reliance on far-right parties who oppose concessions in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. The political shake-up occurs during sensitive truce talks for the Gaza war, where a key sticking point remains whether the war ends as part of any agreement, something the far-right opposes. While UTJ’s departure doesn’t immediately topple the government, it increases political instability and the risk of early elections. Netanyahu has 48 hours to potentially resolve the situation before the departure becomes official.

**News Article**

**Israeli Government Rocked as Key Coalition Partner Quits Amid Gaza Truce Talks**

**Tel Aviv, July 15, 2025** – The fragile coalition government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a significant crisis as United Torah Judaism (UTJ), a key ultra-Orthodox party, announced its withdrawal over a contentious military draft law. The move threatens to destabilize Netanyahu’s leadership at a crucial juncture in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

UTJ’s departure stems from disagreements surrounding a bill that would grant sweeping exemptions from military service to Jewish seminary students, a long-standing point of contention within Israeli society. This issue is of particular sensitivity as the conflict in Gaza has increased the demand on military personnel.

With UTJ leaving, Netanyahu’s ruling coalition will hold only a razor-thin majority in the Knesset (Israeli parliament), making him more dependent on far-right factions within the government. These parties staunchly oppose concessions to Hamas and any permanent ceasefire that would allow the group to remain a threat.

The political upheaval occurs as Israel and Hamas are engaged in delicate negotiations, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the U.S., to establish a truce after 21 months of war. A major obstacle in the discussions is the demand by Hamas for a complete and permanent cessation of hostilities – a condition vehemently opposed by Netanyahu’s hardline allies.

Analysts say that the UTJ’s move increases the risk of early elections later this year. However, there is a 48-hour window during which Netanyahu can attempt to negotiate a compromise with UTJ. The situation underscores the complex political dynamics at play in Israel as it navigates the Gaza conflict.

The developments are being closely watched internationally, including in India, which has traditionally maintained good relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

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