After failing to form a government following two rounds of elections in April and September, the Israeli Knesset has voted to dissolve itself and hold another election on the 2nd of March, 2020.
How did we get here?
In the wake of the April and September 2019 elections, the two largest parties in parliament – Likud and Blue and White – both failed to garner enough support to form a governing coalition.
April Election
Following the election, the Likud leader who also doubles as the Prime Minister-designate, Benjamin Netanyahu, was given the mandate to form a government. With the likely support from five other parties, he looked set to receive the needed majority (65) in parliament.
However, coalition talks ended in a deadlock due to friction between Yisrael Beiteinu Party Chairman, Avigdor Lieberman, and the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ). The sticking point was a draft bill submitted by Lieberman that made provisions for the mandatory conscription of yeshivastudents, who are currently exempt, into the Israeli Military. While the UTJ is in favour of exempting yeshiva students, Lieberman’s condition to join the coalition was that the bill is passed.
On the 30th of May, the Knesset voted to dissolve itself, triggering fresh elections.
September Election
The outcome of the September election was similar to that of the April election, with Likud and Black and White at a near tie. Since none of the parties commanded a 61-seat majority and negotiations within their ideological blocs also proved futile, a national unity government was considered.
Both Likud and Blue and White showed interest in forming a unity government but were unable to agree on the terms. Blue and White leader, Benny Gantz, refused to support Netanyahu as prime minister as he faced criminal charges.
Netanyahu has now been indicted and therefore faces the fight for his life in this election, as he will have the opportunity to seek immunity from prosecution if re-elected. Some observers also say the prime ministerial seat will give him the privilege to influence the trial in his favour. Netanyahu faces another imminent challenge to his re-election. His party, Likud, will hold a leadership primary on the 26th of December.
Given the mistrust among the political blocs, it is uncertain that another election will solve the stalemate. The politicians will have to make necessary compromises to stop this continuous election cycle, an expensive exercise which the director of the Elections Committee has raised alarmover.
