The parliament in Israel has been dissolved following a budget crisis that has now triggered fresh elections in the Middle-Eastern country.

Why Are We Back Here? 

Recall that earlier in the year, Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz formed a unity government after Netanyahu failed to receive a majority of the votes in the last elections. The government was formed based on an agreement to fully hand over power to Gantz in 2021. However, Netanyahu, who is now Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, appears to have changed his mind. 

For Two Years, Israel Has Been Run Without A Budget 

To help manage the country in the time of a coronavirus pandemic, a “corona coalition” was formed with requirements for a budget to be presented by my midnight of December 22. A clause in the agreement allows Gantz, who is the Alternate Prime Minister, to become Prime Minister if the Knesset dissolves when there is a budget in place, hence Netanyahu’s reluctance to present one. 

“Putting aside all the political ‘noise’, the reason [why] we’re heading to an election is because Netanyahu refused to pass a budget so he can remain prime minister for the duration of the trial,” Yohanan Plesner, a former member of parliament and the director of the Israel Democracy Institute told the Financial Times. 

Knowing the elections are likely to swing in his favour, Netanyahu would rather face the uncertainty of a vote than present a budget. The Prime Minister will also be facing trial in February over fraud and bribery charges which he can effectively evade if he remains in power. 

Are The Odds In Netanyahu’s Favour?

Returning to the polls could either make or mar Netanyahu’s political future. While he has successfully put Israel on the A-list for COVID-19 vaccine and forged ties with a few Arab countries, Netanyahu’s popularity has declined over the years. Also, he will be facing formidable challengers’ former allies like Gideon Sa’ar who has the backing of many right-wing parties in the March elections.