Possibility of early elections in Israel: It could be the end of the road for Netanyahu

The Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, has given its initial approval to the dissolution bill submitted by the government coalition. Following the bill's passage with 110 'yes' votes in the 120-seat parliament, Israel is preparing to head to the polls for the first time since October 7, 2023. Polls, meanwhile, point to a disaster for Netanyahu.

The path to early elections in Israel has been officially cleared. The bill proposing the dissolution of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, was accepted by an overwhelming majority in the preliminary vote held in parliament.

While 110 members of parliament supported the bill to dissolve the 120-seat Knesset, it was notable that there were no votes against it or abstentions. For the bill to become law, it must be voted on one final time in parliament following the committee process. If the process is completed, it is stated that early elections in Israel could be held weeks before the legal deadline in October.

''HE WAS STABBED IN THE BACK BY HIS OWN COALITION: THE COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE PROBLEM''

The bill proposing the dissolution of the Knesset was submitted to the assembly by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's own coalition partners.

The event that triggered the crisis was the ultra-Orthodox group, which has traditionally stood close to Netanyahu, turning against the government due to a reversal on the "compulsory military service exemption" they had been promised. The growing public outrage in Israel over these exemptions during the war period pushed the tension within the coalition to a point of no return.

''NETANYAHU IS MELTING IN THE POLLS''

The vote coincides with a period of political collapse for Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads the most right-wing government in Israeli history and holds the title of the longest-serving prime minister.

Public opinion polls clearly show that Netanyahu's current coalition would not be able to secure a majority in parliament in a potential election. In all polls conducted since the events of October 7, 2023, the ruling bloc remains far behind the number of seats required to form a government.

''HEALTH PROBLEMS AND CORRUPTION COULD BRING AN END TO HIS POLITICAL CAREER''

As Israel prepares to head to the polls during a period of ongoing tension with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran, the opposition is harshly criticizing the government over the October 7 security failure and the management of the war.

It is not just the ballot box that threatens Netanyahu's political future. It is alleged that Israeli President Isaac Herzog is conducting contacts for a possible plea deal in Netanyahu's long-running corruption case, and that in this scenario, Netanyahu's complete withdrawal from politics is on the table. The health status of the 76-year-old leader, who recently underwent prostate cancer treatment and had a pacemaker implanted, is also at the center of political debates in the country.

''NO GUARANTEES FOR THE OPPOSITION EITHER: A POLITICAL DEADLOCK IS POSSIBLE''

Although polls indicate that the Netanyahu coalition will be toppled, it remains uncertain whether the fragmented opposition bloc will be able to secure a majority to form a government on its own. If the opposition parties cannot reach an agreement among themselves, it is assessed that Netanyahu could retain his seat as interim prime minister until the political deadlock is resolved.

News Source: 12punto