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الخليج
Impact of draft issue on Smotrich's support
Israeli extremist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich faced a decline in public support after backing measures to prevent the arrest of Haredi Jews who evade military service. This move sparked anger among settlers in the West Bank and weakened his political standing as October elections approach. Smotrich, a member of Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, defends requiring ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve in the military but prefers consensus over detention. Critics highlight that this stance threatens military stability and exacerbates political divisions, especially after the Supreme Court declared exemptions for religious studies illegal. Smotrich's support for settlement expansion and his retreat from his previous positions on Haredi service have led to a loss of some internal backing. His representation in the Knesset has fallen to 7 seats out of 120, with predictions that his party will struggle to cross the electoral threshold in the October elections.
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