Sharren Haskel Votes in Uniform to Dissolve Knesset

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel arrived at the Knesset on Wednesday wearing her combat uniform, in a protest against the proposed Haredi draft exemption law.

Haskel came to vote on the preliminary reading of the bill to dissolve the Knesset, which passed by a sweeping 110-0 majority. The vote came amid the coalition crisis over efforts to pass legislation anchoring broad military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.

Her appearance in uniform was intended as a pointed message against the exemption bill, which has sparked sharp criticism across the political system and within parts of the coalition. Opponents argue that the legislation would preserve unequal service obligations at a time when the IDF faces a severe manpower shortage during ongoing war.

The preliminary vote does not dissolve the Knesset immediately. The bill must still be advanced through committee and pass three additional readings before becoming law. If completed, it would trigger early elections, which must in any case be held no later than October 27.

The Haredi parties have threatened to support dissolving the Knesset unless the draft exemption bill advances. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s allies have claimed that a majority exists to pass the conscription legislation, but Haredi officials have remained skeptical and say they are waiting to see the bill brought to the plenum.

Haskel’s protest came as lawmakers from across the political spectrum backed the dissolution bill, turning the vote into a clear warning to Netanyahu that the government’s future depends on resolving the draft crisis.