Israel's Parliament Dissolves, Sets 5th Election in 4 Years

JUN 20 2022·Updated DEC 24 2022

Story

Image credit: AFP/Getty Images [via NBC News]

The Facts

Israel's Parliament on Thurs. unanimously approved its dissolution, ending PM Naftali Bennett's term and triggering new elections, which are set to be held on Nov. 1.
CNN
This marks the end of a governing coalition that comprised eight parties including right-wing, centrist, liberal, and a Palestinian party. It took power in June 2021 after a period of political impasse led to four elections in two years.
Al Jazeera
It has fallen apart after failing to pass a bill to renew Israel's West Bank settlers special legal status. The dissolution of the Knesset was decided due to security reasons as it will allow the settler law to remain in effect beyond its expiration date.
ITN
At midnight between Thurs. and Fri., Foreign Minister Yair Lapid will become the caretaker PM and will hold this position until a new government is formed.
The Times of Israel
The upcoming election will be the fifth in less than four years and opinion polls project former PM Netanyahu to be the front-runner. The previous four elections ended in deadlock after focusing on his fitness to rule in the face of a corruption investigation.
NBC
Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption, but has denied any wrongdoing. Israeli law doesn't prohibit politicians under indictment from becoming prime minister.
PBS NewsHour

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Though Israel could overcome this chaos with a unified government, this won't be achieved while Netanyahu leads the Likud. His strategies show that he wants to destabilize the government for his own political advantage.

Middle East Eye

Narrative B

Netanyahu's chances of returning to power seem better by the day as the public is fed up with the government's continued deadlock and inaction. He's the only one that can solve this political crisis and form a stable government.

The Telegraph

Narrative C

The broad coalition vowed to change Israeli-Palestinian relations for the better but it was just another empty promise. There has been no breakthrough while dealing with the occupation and settlements, and tensions have run high since it took power.

Middle East Eye