Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition, formed in late 2022, continues to face significant domestic criticism. His government relies on support from far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, whose policy demands have been a source of internal division.
A major point of contention has been the government's judicial overhaul plan, which sparked mass protests across Israel throughout 2023. Critics, including the former attorney general and opposition leaders, argued the reforms threatened the independence of the judiciary and the system of checks and balances.
The ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023 attacks, has further complicated the political landscape. While creating a temporary sense of national unity, deep political and social fissures over the government's direction, the handling of the war, and the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service persist.
Analysts and domestic critics frequently cite these internal divisions, fueled by coalition agreements, as a critical challenge to Israel's long-term social cohesion and democratic stability, separate from external security threats.
