Benjamin Netanyahu has lost the support of an ultra-religious party that was his ally for nearly three decades

The ultra-religious United Torah Judaism (JUT) party refused on Thursday to recommend a candidate for prime minister, thereby withdrawing its traditional support for Benjamin Netanyahu. The decision may increase opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s chances of receiving the mandate to form the future Israeli government.

The announcement was made after the JUT delegation’s consultations with President Isaac Herzog, following the legislative elections of October 27, which did not produce a clear majority in the Knesset. The ultra-religious faction is part of the current governing coalition and allied with Netanyahu approximately three decades ago.

JUT and the Shass party oppose the enlistment of religious students in the army. Lawmaker Isaac Pindrus stated that regulating their status must be a condition for participating in any future government. The dissatisfaction emerged after Netanyahu failed to advance a law on exemption from military service.

The right-wing bloc led by Netanyahu is expected to have 53 seats, while the opposition led by Eisenkot will have 48. Following JUT’s abstention, Netanyahu relies on 45 lawmakers, while Eisenkot has the support of 56. President Herzog will designate a candidate who will have 28 days to form a coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension.

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