with his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners threatening to support the measure and force early elections. The ultra-Orthodox parties are furious that the government has failed to pass a law exempting their community from mandatory military service, an issue that has long divided the Jewish Israeli public, especially during the 20-monthlong war in the Gaza Strip. While many expect a last-minute compromise, the vote is the most serious challenge to Netanyahu’s government since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, the biggest security failure in Israel’s history. The opposition submitted a bill to dissolve the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. In response, coalition members submitted numerous bills, packing Wednesday’s schedule and buying time for last-minute negotiations. The bill must pass another three readings before parliament is dissolved, a process that could take days or weeks. Even if the bill passes, it could take weeks or months for new elections to be called. If the bill fails, another vote for dissolution cannot be brought again by the opposition for at least six months. The opposition could still pull the bill if there isn’t enough support and submit it again in the coming weeks. (Jamaica Gleaner)