JERUSALEM, June 25 (Reuters) - Israels government formally suspended plans on Sunday for a mixed-gender prayer space at Jerusalems Western Wall, bowing to opposition from Orthodox Jewish politicians to reforms at one of Judaisms holiest sites.

The decision will put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at odds with the Conservative and Reform movements of Judaism that have large followings outside Israel but will smooth his relations with ultra-Orthodox parties in his ruling coalition.

The wall is revered as a vestige of Judaisms two ancient temples and access to it is segregated by gender. Most religious rites take place in the mens section in accordance with centuries-old Orthodox standards that hold sway in Israel.

The government has faced calls by more progressive Jewish movements in Israel and abroad to add an egalitarian section along the wall and in 2016 voted 15-5 to do so, over the objections of ultra-Orthodox cabinet members.

But in the face of opposition from the two ultra-Orthodox parties in Netanyahus coalition, the plan never got off the ground. Last week, the two parties proposed rescinding the 2016 decision.