Netanyahu's Government on the Brink of Collapse; Early Parliamentary Elections Announced in Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Likud party in Israel, confirmed on Monday, December 24, that early parliamentary elections will be held in the country in early April 2019. According to law, Netanyahu's current government could have continued until November 2019. Mr. Netanyahu stated in a joint meeting with Likud representatives and journalists that the decision to hold early elections was made early Monday during a meeting with leaders of other coalition parties. He described his fourth government as one of the most successful in the world in foreign, domestic, and economic policy, adding that through its activities, the Israeli army has gained a superior position among the world's strong armies, and the security and intelligence organizations, including Mossad, have managed to make Israel safer by addressing numerous security threats. The government's attempt to pass a new draft law in the Knesset regarding changes to the military exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews, which could lead to the government's collapse, was the surprising factor in this political development in Israel. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the 'Israel Our Home' party, which was an ally of the government and served as Minister of Defense until two months ago, had previously emphasized that his party, as a secular party, strongly opposes this law. However, he and his party left the coalition weeks ago, while another opposition party called 'Yesh Atid,' led by Yair Lapid, had promised to support the government in passing this law. Despite this promise, Mr. Lapid announced a sudden change of decision early Monday. Israeli politicians, aware of Yesh Atid's change of decision, emphasized that the government's failure to pass this law would be a serious blow to its credibility and would undoubtedly lead to early elections. On Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu assured his supporters that he would remain Prime Minister and would form the next government; thus, he emphasized that his government's plans are 'only halfway through.' The Israeli Prime Minister confirmed in a press conference on Monday that he and the leaders of coalition parties agreed to hold early parliamentary elections to prevent the government from being overthrown by the opposition. Israeli media reported that elections would be held either on Tuesday, April 2, or Tuesday, April 9, as elections in Israel must legally occur only on Tuesdays. Following Lieberman's party's withdrawal from the coalition due to disagreements over the Israeli army's actions against armed Palestinian organizations in Gaza, Netanyahu's cabinet continued to operate with the fragile support of 61 representatives, which is just over half of the Knesset members. Several ministers in recent days have suggested that under the fragile coalition situation, the government's continuation is not feasible. Meanwhile, Netanyahu assured his supporters on Monday that he would remain Prime Minister and would form the next government; thus, he emphasized that his government's plans are 'only halfway through.' If Netanyahu's government continues until spring, he will break the record of David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister, for the longest political leadership in the country. Concurrently, Likud representatives, following these sudden developments, told Israeli media that while the country is heading towards early elections, the prosecution is 'obliged' to refrain from announcing a final decision regarding the investigative cases against Benjamin Netanyahu. On the other hand, the Israeli prosecution's office stated in a statement that the professional work of this institution will continue 'without relation to the elections.' Ayelet Shaked, Israel's Minister of Justice, confirmed earlier this week that the prosecution would announce its final decision regarding the investigative cases against Mr. Netanyahu in the coming days. Israeli media say there is increasing evidence that the prosecution is inclined to issue an indictment against Mr. Netanyahu in corruption cases for which he has been interrogated multiple times over the past two years. Despite this, all polls indicate that under any circumstances, the Likud party will remain the strongest party and may even be unprecedentedly strengthened. Likud politicians said on Monday that if the prosecution seeks to prosecute Netanyahu, this will increase Netanyahu's and Likud's popularity among voters. However, the return of Gideon Sa'ar, a former politician, to the Likud party may pose a threat to Netanyahu's leadership position within the party. The potential intentions of several Israeli figures to form new parties will also play a significant role in the next Israeli elections; former General Benny Gantz, if he forms a new party, could become the second or third party in Israel. However, Yair Lapid, leader of the 'There is a Future' party, still considers himself and his party the main rival to Netanyahu and the Likud party in forming the next government. Mr. Netanyahu has stated that during the transition to elections and the formation of the next government, his commitment to confronting the JCPOA will continue, and with the withdrawal of American troops from Syria, attacks against Iran in Syria may also be intensified. Some politicians supporting Mr. Netanyahu also expressed satisfaction following the developments on Monday, as Israel heads towards elections, the Trump administration will not be able to present the political plan known as the 'Deal of the Century' for Israeli-Palestinian peace, as it is aware that this would be detrimental to Netanyahu and the Likud party.