Netanyahu Survives Opposition Push as Israeli Knesset Rejects Dissolution Vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition survived a major political challenge on Thursday, as the Knesset rejected a motion to dissolve itself in a key preliminary vote. The move, backed by opposition lawmakers and some religious parties, was seen as an attempt to trigger snap elections that recent polls suggest Netanyahu would likely lose.

In a 120-member chamber, 61 lawmakers voted against the proposal, while 53 supported it. The result gives Netanyahu a temporary lifeline and buys time for his fragile coalition, which has been teetering due to internal disputes—particularly around the issue of military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews.

“This vote was critical,” said a member of the opposition. “It could have allowed Israelis to decide their future at the ballot box, especially at such a critical time.”

The bill, if passed, would have been the first step toward ending Netanyahu’s tenure during an increasingly unpopular war in Gaza and growing frustration over internal governance.

Draft Bill Dispute Causes Coalition Rifts

At the heart of the crisis is the long-standing debate over conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, who have traditionally been exempt from military service due to religious studies. This exemption has caused years of friction between secular Israelis and religious communities.

Netanyahu has faced growing pressure from both secular lawmakers demanding equality in military service and ultra-Orthodox factions threatening to withdraw support if forced conscription is enacted.

“I am pleased to announce that after long discussions we have reached agreements on the principles on which the draft law will be based,” said Yuli Edelstein, chair of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. The announcement suggests Netanyahu has succeeded, at least temporarily, in calming tensions within his own ranks.

Avoiding dissolution allows Netanyahu to maintain power as Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza continues, resulting in mounting international criticism and internal discontent. Many Israelis blame the government for its handling of the conflict and lack of strategic clarity.

However, the opposition vows to keep pushing for elections. “We won’t stop here,” said a centrist lawmaker. “The people deserve better leadership, and they will get it.”

U.S. Court Temporarily Halts Deportation of Palestinian Activist

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a federal judge in the United States halted the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist and lawful permanent resident who was arrested by immigration officers in March.

Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that the U.S. government lacks compelling justification to detain or deport Khalil, stating in a written decision that his continued incarceration is not supported by a significant legal basis.

The judge paused his ruling until the morning of June 13, giving the Biden administration time to appeal. Until then, Khalil remains in federal detention.

Khalil, 30, rose to national attention after his outspoken activism at Columbia University, where he was part of student-led demonstrations calling for an end to U.S. support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict. His arrest sparked outrage from civil rights groups who labeled it a politically motivated crackdown on dissent.

“The court’s decision is a small step toward justice,” said one of Khalil’s attorneys. “But the fact that he remains detained shows the dangerous precedent of silencing voices critical of U.S. foreign policy.”

Supporters gathered outside the courthouse in New Jersey, holding signs reading “Free Mahmoud” and “Defend Dissent.” Many fear that deporting Khalil would set an alarming precedent for targeting lawful residents based on their political beliefs.

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