Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu Faces Political Challenges

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a political blow as a key coalition partner, Shas, quits his government.

• Shas, an ultra-Orthodox party, announced its decision to leave the government over disagreements over a proposed law enshrining broad military draft exemptions for its constituents.

• Shas reassured Netanyahu that it would not undermine his coalition from the outside and could vote with it on some legislation.

• Once their resignations take effect, Netanyahu’s coalition will have 50 seats in the 120-seat parliament.

• The political instability comes at a critical time for Israel, which is negotiating with Hamas on the terms for a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

• Shas’ decision is not expected to derail the talks.