The Shas party has stepped back from its earlier threat to topple the government if a new law protecting yeshiva bochurim from the draft isn’t passed.

Speaking with Channel 12, Shas spokesman Asher Medina clarified, “We will not bring down a right-wing government. There is no threat, and there is no ultimatum.” This comes after Shas chairman Aryeh Deri had given Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu a two-month deadline to resolve the issue, saying on Kol Berama that if the situation remains unresolved, the country could be headed for new elections.

Shas MK Erez Malul reinforced the party’s leverage, telling Kan radio that Netanyahu doesn’t have enough votes to pass the budget without Shas. “UTJ won’t support it, and Ben Gvir is in the opposition. How will this pass? This isn’t a threat—it’s an ultimatum.”

The 2025 budget must pass by the end of March, or the government will collapse, forcing early elections. While Agudas Yisroel has linked the budget to the draft issue, Degel HaTorah signaled today that they do not support this approach.

At a gathering in Eilat, Deputy Minister Uri Maklev assured that the government is “stable”, explaining that “there is no other alternative.”

Meanwhile, pro-government Channel 14 reported that Netanyahu warned the frum parties against making threats, saying, “Now is not the time for fighting or divisive rhetoric.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)