Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz’s centrist party has called for a vote to dissolve the parliament in an attempt to force early elections. Thursday’s announcement deepens a divide in Israel’s leadership more than seven months into a war. But it appears unlikely to threaten the current parliament. Even to put the request on the agenda requires majority consent from parliament, which would need at least five members of the governing coalition to defect and vote in favor.
Quick Read
- Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz’ party moves to force early elections
- Benny Gantz’s centrist party has called for a vote to dissolve the parliament in an attempt to force early elections, amid leadership divisions seven months into a war.
- The request to dissolve the Knesset requires majority consent from parliament, needing at least five members of the governing coalition to defect and vote in favor.
- Pnina Tamano-Shata, head of the National Unity party, submitted the bill on Thursday, emphasizing the need for a stable unity government to address security, economic, and societal challenges.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party condemned the bill, calling it a “prize for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar” and a setback to efforts to release hostages.
- Gantz has threatened to resign from the government if Netanyahu does not present a new plan for the war in Gaza by June 8, which could increase Netanyahu’s reliance on far-right allies advocating for reoccupying Gaza and rebuilding Jewish settlements.
The Associated Press has the story:
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz’s party moves to force early elections
Newslooks- TEL AVIV — (AP)
Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz’s centrist party has called for a vote to dissolve the parliament in an attempt to force early elections.
Thursday’s announcement deepens a divide in Israel’s leadership more than seven months into a war. But it appears unlikely to threaten the current parliament. Even to put the request on the agenda requires majority consent from parliament, which would need at least five members of the governing coalition to defect and vote in favor.
Parliament member Pnina Tamano-Shata, the head of the National Unity party, submitted a bill on Thursday to dissolve the Knesset.
“Oct. 7 was a tragedy the requires us to come back and receive the trust of the people, and to create a wider, stable unity government that can lead us safely against the immense challenges in security, economy, and especially – Israeli society,” Tamano-Shata said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party denounced the bill, saying it was a “prize for (Hamas leader Yahya) Sinwar, a surrender to international pressure, and a fatal blow to efforts to release the hostages.”
Last week, Gantz threatened to resign from the government if Netanyahu does not put forth a new plan for the war in Gaza by June 8. His departure would leave Netanyahu more beholden to far-right allies who believe Israel should occupy Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements there.
