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Israel to hold early elections in April
JERUSALEM, Dec 24, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Israel’s government decided Monday to
hold early elections in April with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
struggling to keep together a one-seat majority in parliament as he also
faces potential corruption charges in the months ahead.
Heads of parties in Netanyahu’s coalition agreed on the timeframe “in the
name of budgetary and national responsibility,” a statement issued on their
behalf said.
Elections were not due until November, but there had long been speculation
that the coalition would not last that long, especially in recent weeks.
The decision comes with the coalition, seen as the most right-wing in
Israel’s history, struggling to agree on a key bill related to ultra-Orthodox
Jews serving in the military like their secular counterparts.
Netanyahu’s coalition was left with a one-seat majority in parliament
following defence minister Avigdor Lieberman’s resignation in November over a
controversial Gaza ceasefire deal.
His resignation removed his Yisrael Beitenu party’s five seats from the
coalition.
At the time, Netanyahu worked to rescue the coalition and managed to keep
it on track for several more weeks as he faced criticism over the Gaza truce.
He argued that elections then would be irresponsible due to the sensitive
security situation facing the country — an apparent reference to an upcoming
military operation to destroy Hezbollah tunnels from Lebanon that was
announced earlier this month.
– Tumultuous campaign –
Netanyahu is also under mounting pressure over a series of corruption
investigations into his affairs.
Police have recommended his indictment in three different probes and the
attorney general is considering how to proceed.
Netanyahu is however not required to step down if indicted — only if he
is convicted with all appeals exhausted — and polls have indicated his Likud
party would remain the largest in parliament after new elections.
Some analysts believe he would be better positioned to face potential
charges with a fresh electoral mandate.
Netanyahu has been prime minister for a total of more than 12 years, from
1996 to 1999 and again since 2009.
He could next year surpass the record set by Israel’s founding father
David Ben-Gurion, who spent more than 13 years in office.
The upcoming election campaign is sure to be tumultuous, with Netanyahu’s
opponents likely seeking to erode his reputation as Israel’s “Mr. Security.”
The premier’s electoral appeal has rested in large part on his security
credentials.
But Israel’s centre-left opposition has been in disarray and may find it
difficult to mount a serious challenge to Netanyahu and his right-wing
partners.
BSS/AFP/RY/1950 hrs