Netanyahu Weaker But Still in Control After Government Walkouts

The departure of two ultra-Orthodox parties from Israel’s government leaves Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu politically weakened just as he seeks a ceasefire in Gaza, military dominance in southern Syria and influence over US policy toward Iran.

Netanyahu will find himself at the helm of a minority government starting next week. Still, he remains in power and his government isn’t likely to be dissolved until at least late October, while new elections wouldn’t happen for three months after that.