(I24) Jewish state lawmakers unroll path toward fourth elections in two years
Israel’s fragile coalition made its first step towards dissolvement after parliament voted Wednesday to disperse itself in a preliminary reading.
The motion passed with 61 in favor versus 54 against.
If the process continues without a last-ditch compromise reached between the right-wing Likud and center-left Blue and White parties — a precarious combination which formed Israel’s 35th unity government — the Jewish state will be heading into fourth election in two years.
The final second and third Knesset (Israel Parliament) readings still need to take place before elections can be officially announced, but if the state budget does not pass until December 23, parliament will automatically disband according to Israeli law.
The circumstances leading up to its formation were an emergency situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, bringing together Israel’s two main political archrivals.
The coalition agreement stipulated a premiership rotation between Netanyahu and Gantz, but a disagreement over the state budget — with some pundits stressing the Likud’s intentional reluctance to pass a budget — has led to the current blowup, and potential fourth elections.