The Guardian: Israel holds its fourth elections in two years, as the country’s political crisis continues

The Guardian newspaper published a report written by Oliver Holmes from Jerusalem entitled “Israel is holding its fourth elections in two years as the political crisis continues in the country”.

The government’s failure to pass the budget by midnight Tuesday, due to infighting and lack of confidence, led to the dissolution of parliament and thus Israel would enter a fourth round of elections, early elections next March, within two years after efforts to maintain a divided coalition government failed.

Benny Gantz, the former opposition leader who reluctantly joined Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition in May, according to the report, was unable to persuade Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to approve the budget.

Political analysts in Israel have speculated, as reported in the report, that Netanyahu may wish to blow up the government prematurely instead of handing over power, since under the power-sharing agreement, Gantz will assume leadership of the government for the remainder of the three-year period, after the first 18 months in which he occupies Netanyahu as Prime Minister.

The report indicates that what is driving Netanyahu to new elections is his involvement in protracted corruption cases, as he prefers to fight as prime minister. 

Netanyahu denies the criminal charges and rejects accusations that he wants to go to the polls again, despite his expectation of a “big victory”.

The writer believes that the general elections, which are likely to be held on March 23, could lead to a major shift in the composition of Israeli political parties, which could harm Netanyahu’s chances of winning.

Despite the defections to Netanyahu’s party, opinion polls show that Likud can still emerge as the largest faction in parliament, but Netanyahu will need to form alliances with his rivals to form 61 seats.

This, according to the report, may be complicated, as many religious and nationalist parties that have risen in popularity indicate that they will not join a government led by Netanyahu.

Gantz’s party is not more fortunate than Likud.

An opinion poll conducted by local Channel 12, Tuesday, predicted that the Blue and White party would get only six seats in the upcoming elections, a significant decrease from the 33 seats it won in the last elections.