Israel inches closer to fourth election in two years
The preliminary vote makes more likely the possibility of another election to take place in March next year.
2 min read
Israel's last election took place in March this year [Getty]
Israel is approaching its fourth general election in two years after MPs chose to dissolve the Knesset, in a preliminary vote on Wednesday.
Alternate Prime Minister and Defence Minister Benny Gantz voted with the opposition to dissolve the legislative body, with 61 lawmakers voting in favour and 54 against.
The proposal was only approved in a preliminary reading and must first pass several more phases before becoming law.
If approved, the vote to secure an early national vote will mean that Israel will hold its fourth general election in two years.
Previous elections in April and September 2019 failed to lead a majority, with elections in March this year yielding yet another stalemate.
Long-time Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Gantz ultimately agreed to form a unity government in April under the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic.
That deal saw Netanyahu become prime minister again, with Gantz due to replace him as premier after 18 months.
Opposition lawmakers accuse the Netanyahu-led coalition government of failing to adequately tackle the coronavirus crisis.
The Israeli premier has also faced protests against him for 23 weeks in a row, calling on him to resign over corruption allegations.
Netanyahu is "misappropriating his position on a daily basis for the sole purpose of evading trial", said Nitzan Horowitz, chairman of the opposition Meretz party.
Opposition parties are also worried that Netanyahu does not intend to yield his position as prime minister under April's coalition agreement.
A fourth election could potentially take place in March next year, according to local news reports.
However, a compromise may yet be reached that will see Israel avoid the prospect of yet another electoral campaign if Netanyahu agrees to approve the 2021 state budget.
Prolonging the budget process could enable Netanyahu to remain as prime minister for a longer period than planned, analysts say.
If the budget fails to pass by 23 December, the Knesset will automatically be dissolved and Netanyahu will remain head of a caretaker government.
A new election would allow the Likud leader another shot at getting a majority, especially as Gantz' Blue and White has lost popularity over the course of the coalition government.
A majority would enable Netanyahu to pass an immunity law, allowing him to evade trial on corruption charges.
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Alternate Prime Minister and Defence Minister Benny Gantz voted with the opposition to dissolve the legislative body, with 61 lawmakers voting in favour and 54 against.
The proposal was only approved in a preliminary reading and must first pass several more phases before becoming law.
If approved, the vote to secure an early national vote will mean that Israel will hold its fourth general election in two years.
Previous elections in April and September 2019 failed to lead a majority, with elections in March this year yielding yet another stalemate.
Long-time Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Gantz ultimately agreed to form a unity government in April under the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic.
That deal saw Netanyahu become prime minister again, with Gantz due to replace him as premier after 18 months.
Opposition lawmakers accuse the Netanyahu-led coalition government of failing to adequately tackle the coronavirus crisis.
The Israeli premier has also faced protests against him for 23 weeks in a row, calling on him to resign over corruption allegations.
Netanyahu is "misappropriating his position on a daily basis for the sole purpose of evading trial", said Nitzan Horowitz, chairman of the opposition Meretz party.
Opposition parties are also worried that Netanyahu does not intend to yield his position as prime minister under April's coalition agreement.
A fourth election could potentially take place in March next year, according to local news reports.
However, a compromise may yet be reached that will see Israel avoid the prospect of yet another electoral campaign if Netanyahu agrees to approve the 2021 state budget.
Prolonging the budget process could enable Netanyahu to remain as prime minister for a longer period than planned, analysts say.
If the budget fails to pass by 23 December, the Knesset will automatically be dissolved and Netanyahu will remain head of a caretaker government.
A new election would allow the Likud leader another shot at getting a majority, especially as Gantz' Blue and White has lost popularity over the course of the coalition government.
A majority would enable Netanyahu to pass an immunity law, allowing him to evade trial on corruption charges.
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