Friday briefing: As Israel’s coalition collapses, can its prime minister hang on to power?
Summary
Israel’s parliament has begun the process to dissolve itself and hold new elections after the government coalition fell apart. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition collapsed mainly over a dispute about military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, and a vote to dissolve parliament was passed by 110 out of 120 lawmakers.Key Facts
- Israeli lawmakers started dissolving parliament to call for new elections.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu has led Israel for 20 of the last 30 years, recently heading a far-right coalition.
- The coalition included ultra-nationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious parties holding 64 seats.
- A major issue causing the collapse was a law about exempting ultra-Orthodox young men from military service.
- The dissolution vote had strong support, with 110 of 120 lawmakers in favor.
- New elections must take place between late August and October 27, 2024, after a three-month campaign period.
- Netanyahu remains the leading candidate for prime minister according to recent polls, but election victory is not guaranteed.
- The current government has been criticized for policies on West Bank settlements and actions in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack.
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