A member of Israel’s three-man war Cabinet has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to new elections later this year. Benny Gantz made the call in a news conference Wednesday. He says elections are needed to renew the public’s faith in the government.
Quick Read
- Election Proposal: Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war Cabinet, has proposed new elections to restore public confidence in the government amidst growing societal divisions due to the ongoing Gaza conflict and issues surrounding the return of hostages held by Hamas.
- Public Dissent: The call for elections aligns with increasing demands for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation, highlighted by recent protests that escalated to violent confrontations between demonstrators and police.
- Suggested Timing: Gantz recommends holding elections in September, two years ahead of the scheduled timeline, to balance the continuation of military efforts against Hamas with the need to mend national unity and trust.
- Netanyahu’s Stance: Despite facing significant drops in popularity and public pressure, Netanyahu has consistently refused calls for his resignation or early elections, emphasizing the priority of wartime governance.
- Coalition Dynamics: Although Gantz’s stance introduces political pressure, Netanyahu’s government retains a majority in parliament, indicating no immediate threat to his leadership from Gantz’s proposal.
- Party Response: Netanyahu’s Likud Party criticizes Gantz’s call for elections as detrimental, arguing that an election campaign would disrupt national functions and undermine the ongoing conflict efforts.
The Associated Press has the story:
Benny Gantz calls on Israel’s PM Netanyahu to agree on new election this year
Newslooks- JERUSALEM — (AP)
A member of Israel’s three-man war Cabinet has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to new elections later this year. Benny Gantz made the call in a news conference Wednesday. He says elections are needed to renew the public’s faith in the government.
Israeli society has grown increasingly divided in recent months as the war in Gaza has dragged on and the government has struggled to return dozens of hostages held captive by Hamas.
This week, families of the hostages joined a broader protest movement seeking Netanyahu’s resignation and new elections. Protests this week near Netanyahu’s residence turned violent with clashes between demonstrators and police.
Gantz called for an agreed-upon date for elections in September — two years ahead of schedule. He said that would leave time to continue the war against Hamas “while allowing the citizens to know that we will soon renew the trust between us and prevent a rift among the people.”
Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected calls to step down or hold new elections in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that sparked the war. He says the government must focus on the war.
Since Oct. 7, Netanyahu’s popularity has plummeted in opinion polls, trailing far behind Gantz.
Gantz’s message Monday does not pose an immediate threat. Netanyahu’s governing coalition maintains a parliamentary majority even without Gantz’s support.
Netanyahu’s Likud Party accused Gantz of playing “petty politics,” saying an election campaign would paralyze the country and hurt the war effort.
