Lapid calls Netanyahu's gov't 'illegitimate' following Shas's exit from coalition

Israeli officials react to Shas's decision to exit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid responded to Shas's decision to exit the government on Wednesday, stating, "In the State of Israel, as of today, there is a minority government."

"A minority government cannot send soldiers into battle. A minority government cannot decide who will live and who will die. A minority government cannot decide the fate of Gaza, close deals with Syria, and Saudi Arabia," he commented.

"It cannot continue to transfer billions to the corrupt and the shirkers at the expense of taxpayers. Certainly, a minority government cannot exempt haredim from military service," he continued.

"It has no authority, no right. It is an illegitimate government," he added.

"The State of Israel faces great challenges and must make big decisions. It is time for elections. Now!" he concluded.

Yisrael Beytenu leader and former defense minister, Avigdor Liberman, denounced attempts to block a haredi draft bill.

"Zionism will triumph over draft-dodging," he wrote on X/Twitter on Wednesday.

"In the next government, everyone enlists. Those who do not serve will not receive a single shekel from the state."

This is a developing story.