A few years ago there was a disaster at Mount Meron where ultra-orthodox worshippers gather on the minor holiday of Lag B’Omer. Some 25 people were trampled to death in what should have been an orderly exit from the site. A special inquiry was set up. Their report was just issued. It found, among other things, that a number of current Israeli political leaders were criminally responsible. The findings caused a minor rift between the Prime Minister and his ultra-orthodox coalition partners. Pundits even went so far as to say the government might fall (it won’t) because of an almost automatic vote of no confidence that is called for. Why is this relevant today? Because It gives the impression that Israel is not united (and weak) and encourages extreme demands from Hamas with regard to the hostages. Significantly, The US representatives have so far failed to try to disabuse Hamas of this notion.
Even when added to the problem of ultra-orthodox exemption from military service, it does not look like the Netanyahu government is about to collapse (much as some, probably a majority, of Israeli citizens would like to see that happen).
Wetherhorn 