Israel is moving closer to a snap election, with polls suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would lose a vote amid rising public anger directed at his government. The country's parliament, the Knesset, has approved a bill to dissolve itself in a preliminary reading, paving the way for a general election that could take place weeks ahead of an October 27 deadline.
Why Did Parliament Vote to Disband?
Netanyahu's government faces renewed instability after a key ultra-Orthodox Jewish faction, traditionally a staunch ally, declared it no longer considers the prime minister a partner and will push for an early general election. The faction's leaders cited the coalition's failure to deliver on a promise to enact legislation that would exempt their community from compulsory military service. This comes as opposition parties, who have consistently sought to oust Netanyahu's administration, see a fresh opportunity. A previous attempt to bring down the government last June proved unsuccessful.
When Could the Election Be Held?
An election date is yet to be set. Israel is supposed to hold a national vote every four years, but early elections have happened often. The last national election was in November 2022, and the next ballot is due at the latest on October 27. After voting to dissolve parliament, members will have to agree on an election date. Political commentators in Israel say an election is likely in the first half of September, but it could also be held nearer to the late October deadline.
What Happens Next?
The dissolution bill now goes to committee, where an election date will be agreed upon. It then goes back for final approval, with the third of three votes requiring a 61-member majority of the 120 Knesset members. The process could be swift or take many weeks.
Will Netanyahu Lose the Election?
Less than a year after a 2022 political comeback at the head of Israel's most right-wing government ever, Netanyahu's security credentials were left in tatters by Hamas' surprise attack on October 7, 2023. Polls have since consistently shown Netanyahu's governing coalition falling far short of a parliamentary majority. However, there is also a chance that opposition parties will fail to form a coalition, leaving Netanyahu at the head of an interim government until the political stalemate is broken. This has happened before; before the 2022 election, Israel was caught in a series of inconclusive elections, holding five ballots in less than four years.
Who Is Running Against Him?
Netanyahu's main challenger is Naftali Bennett, a former aide who ousted Israel's longest-serving leader in a 2021 election and became prime minister himself. The right-wing Bennett has joined forces with centre-left Opposition Head Yair Lapid to form a new party, 'Together', now neck-and-neck with Netanyahu's Likud. Another contender gaining in the polls is former military chief and centrist cabinet minister Gadi Eizenkot. They are all running on similar campaign platforms, seeking to mobilise swing voters disappointed by Netanyahu, with messages of healing divisions and getting the country back on track after the trauma of October 7 and wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran that have hit Israel's economy and international standing.
