Netanyahu Pushes Through Controversial Laws Amid Raucous Parliamentary Protests

A wave of jeers greeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Israeli parliament (Knesset) prepared to pass a series of controversial laws in the final days of the government’s term. Shouts of “Shame, go away, get out!” echoed from dozens of opposition MPs on Tuesday local time. The uproar was so intense that Netanyahu chose to leave the chamber and missed the vote entirely. Nevertheless, the legislative package was still approved. The legislative steps were rushed through before the Knesset dissolves on Friday, ahead of the general election scheduled for 27 October.

Analysts assess that the cluster of bills being finalised was specifically designed to meet the demands of Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox and right-wing allies. The core of this push is to maintain the integrity of Netanyahu’s political bloc. After nearly four turbulent years—marked by mass protests, the 7 October attack, and a protracted multi-front war—his government reached a rare milestone: completing a full term, something not seen in Israel since 1988. “Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival and the Haredi parties are essential for that,” wrote political analyst Nadav Eyal. The aim is to show his coalition partners that he is the only politician capable of delivering on their demands.

The most politically charged element of the legislative package is a rule legalising the mass avoidance of military service by ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) youth. While Israeli law mandates that all 18-year-old citizens serve, ultra-Orthodox men have long been exempted through historical arrangements repeatedly struck down by the Supreme Court. This issue has become particularly acute during wartime. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reports a shortage of at least 12,000 soldiers, while approximately 72,000 eligible ultra-Orthodox men remain unregistered. As a solution for his allies, Netanyahu advanced two rules. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir issued an unusual public warning, calling the legislation unimaginable and inconsistent with the army’s needs, and warning it risked eroding the trust of those serving.

In return for support for the ultra-Orthodox agenda, the coalition also passed other Netanyahu priorities, including restrictions on the Attorney General’s authority and an overhaul of broadcasting regulations that critics fear threatens press freedom. Additionally, gender-segregated academic programmes were expanded, drawing condemnation from universities and women’s groups. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a settlement funding package in the occupied West Bank worth approximately 2.4 billion shekels for new neighbourhoods, access roads, and the legalisation of 34 new outposts. Public opinion appears strongly opposed to the move. A Channel 12 poll in July showed 66 percent of Israelis reject the Torah study law. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and a main challenger to Netanyahu, condemned the step as a reckless deal trading the political bloc for the country. Despite facing legal challenges from the Supreme Court, which issued a temporary injunction, Likud insiders say Netanyahu remains unconcerned. He is betting that public memory will fade and that keeping the coalition bloc united is far more important than the popularity of any single law.