Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition is facing growing political pressure as national elections approach, with its popularity reportedly continuing to decline.

The shifting political landscape could create fresh challenges for Netanyahu and his coalition partners as Israeli voters weigh the government’s performance and future direction. The election race is expected to remain closely watched amid continuing political and security developments.

This report examines the latest polling trends, the challenges facing Netanyahu’s coalition and what the changing voter mood could mean for Israel’s upcoming national elections.

Netanyahu's Coalition Continues to Slip in Popularity Ahead of National Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly unusual closed-door meeting at the White House, sparking intense speculation over the future of the Iran conflict.

Unlike previous meetings, there were no public remarks or joint press interactions before the talks. The White House released photographs only after the 90-minute meeting, raising questions about what was discussed behind closed doors.

Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: What's Really Changing on Iran?

#Gravitas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have narrowed the gap with his main challenger in the race for public support for the 2026 national elections.  A poll shows Netanyahu and former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot tied, with 38 percent of respondents saying they would prefer each of them to lead the country.   

Netanyahu's Poll Numbers Rise Amid Internal Turmoil

During the ongoing West Asia war, both Israel and Qatar have been at the receiving end of Iran's retaliation, being allies of the US. On the domestic front, key Israeli opposition leader Naftali Bennett has now vowed to declare Qatar an "enemy state" if he becomes the prime minister again. Bennett, who served as Israel's prime minister from 2021 to 2022, accused Doha of funding Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).According to reports, he also claimed that Qatar has spent 25 years building a powerful global influence operation that has caused major damage to Israel. Bennett also lashed out at Qatar over its alleged support for Hamas in the context of the October 7 terror attack, which led to the killing of about 1,200 Israelis. He said, &nbsp;"After October 7, nothing is complicated here. Qatar is an enemy."The former Israeli prime minister also called Qatar a "violent anti-Semitic cancer" that has spread even to Netanyahu's office. This was a reference to the Qatargate scandal. Essentially, Netanyahu's top aides—Jonatan Urich, Eli Feldstein, and Israel Einhorn—were accused of taking money to spearhead a public relations campaign aimed at portraying Qatar in a positive light after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Israel arrested Urich and Feldstein in March last year.While Netanyahu has dismissed the Qatargate allegations as "politically motivated", Bennett has repeatedly demanded his resignation over the issue.For its part, Qatar accused Bennett of spreading disinformation to further his own political ambitions. The country's embassy in the US said, "Israeli politicians who criticise Qatar should instead focus on addressing their own domestic challenges."Now, ties between Israel and Qatar have been quite complex, to say the least. On one hand, Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military base in West Asia. The base has been attacked by Iran multiple times during the war. At the same time, Qatar is one of the key mediators through which the U.S. exchanges messages with Iran. It also played a crucial role in securing the Gaza ceasefire.However, Israel does not view Qatar as a neutral actor. Tel Aviv accuses Qatar of backing Hamas, whose political office it has hosted since 2012.It is also pertinent to note that Qatar has yet to join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic relations with Israel. In September last year, tensions between the two countries peaked after the IDF conducted its first-ever airstrike on Doha, resulting in the deaths of five Hamas operatives and one Qatari security personnel.The strike triggered global outrage. In a sharp rebuke, US President Donald Trump stressed that the attack did not advance either Israel's or America's goals. Initially, Netanyahu justified the strike. However, during a meeting with Trump at the White House, Netanyahu called his Qatari counterpart and apologised for the airstrike on Doha and the violation of the country's sovereignty. He also affirmed that Israel would not carry out such an attack again in the future. With Israel scheduled to go to the polls in October, it appears that both Qatar and Iran will remain major talking points in the country's domestic politics.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> | Row over Qatar&#39;s role in West Asia Ex-Israel PM Naftali Bennett vows to declare Qatar enemy state <a href="https://x.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> has more <a href="https://t.co/HQjOzXtQ5W">pic.twitter.com/HQjOzXtQ5W</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2082154703148949525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett vowed to declare Qatar an enemy state if elected again, accusing Doha of funding Iran's IRGC and backing Hamas.

During the ongoing West Asia war, both Israel and Qatar have been at the receiving end of Iran's retaliation, being allies of the US. On the domestic front, key Israeli opposition leader Naftali Bennett has now vowed to declare Qatar an "enemy state" if he becomes the prime minister again. Bennett, who served as Israel's prime minister from 2021 to 2022, accused Doha of funding Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to reports, he also claimed that Qatar has spent 25 years building a powerful global influence operation that has caused major damage to Israel. Bennett also lashed out at Qatar over its alleged support for Hamas in the context of the October 7 terror attack, which led to the killing of about 1,200 Israelis. He said, "After October 7, nothing is complicated here. Qatar is an enemy." The former Israeli prime minister also called Qatar a "violent anti-Semitic cancer" that has spread even to Netanyahu's office. This was a reference to the Qatargate scandal. Essentially, Netanyahu's top aides—Jonatan Urich, Eli Feldstein, and Israel Einhorn—were accused of taking money to spearhead a public relations campaign aimed at portraying Qatar in a positive light after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Israel arrested Urich and Feldstein in March last year. While Netanyahu has dismissed the Qatargate allegations as "politically motivated", Bennett has repeatedly demanded his resignation over the issue. For its part, Qatar accused Bennett of spreading disinformation to further his own political ambitions. The country's embassy in the US said, "Israeli politicians who criticise Qatar should instead focus on addressing their own domestic challenges." Now, ties between Israel and Qatar have been quite complex, to say the least. On one hand, Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military base in West Asia. The base has been attacked by Iran multiple times during the war. At the same time, Qatar is one of the key mediators through which the U.S. exchanges messages with Iran. It also played a crucial role in securing the Gaza ceasefire. However, Israel does not view Qatar as a neutral actor. Tel Aviv accuses Qatar of backing Hamas, whose political office it has hosted since 2012. It is also pertinent to note that Qatar has yet to join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic relations with Israel. In September last year, tensions between the two countries peaked after the IDF conducted its first-ever airstrike on Doha, resulting in the deaths of five Hamas operatives and one Qatari security personnel. The strike triggered global outrage. In a sharp rebuke, US President Donald Trump stressed that the attack did not advance either Israel's or America's goals. Initially, Netanyahu justified the strike. However, during a meeting with Trump at the White House, Netanyahu called his Qatari counterpart and apologised for the airstrike on Doha and the violation of the country's sovereignty. He also affirmed that Israel would not carry out such an attack again in the future. With Israel scheduled to go to the polls in October, it appears that both Qatar and Iran will remain major talking points in the country's domestic politics.

Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett vowed to declare Qatar an enemy state if elected again, accusing Doha of funding Iran's IRGC and backing Hamas.

Gravitas | Naftali Bennett vows to declare Qatar an 'enemy state' after becoming Israeli PM

The Knesset House Committee chairman, Likud MK Ofir Katz, announced on Sunday that the parliamentary elections in Israel will be held on October 27, the date set by law, as the current Knesset completes its full four-year term this week on July 17.The date for the upcoming general elections was officially set for October 27 and will not be moved up, Katz said.&nbsp;Coalition whip MK Ofir Katz (Likud) told the Knesset House Committee, “Ultimately, despite everything that was said, this Knesset is completing its full term, something that has not happened for more than 40 years.”He also praised the government’s term, saying, “We passed nine budgets and hundreds of laws that benefit the citizens of the State of Israel.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strait-of-hormuz-more-important-deterrent-than-dozens-of-atomic-bombs-will-protect-it-khamenei-adviser-1783854686958">Strait of Hormuz ‘more important deterrent’ than dozens of atomic bombs, will protect it: Khamenei adviser</a>&nbsp;The decision came after the bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its first reading in June, which could have moved the elections up from the original October 27 date set by law.With the elections set to take place on October 27 as planned, this will be the first time since 1988 that elections have been held after a full four-year term.&nbsp;<h2>Netanyahu govt first to complete its full term in over 50 years</h2>&nbsp;This would mark the first election to be held on schedule in Israel in nearly 40 years, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition government will be the first to complete its full term in over 50 years.&nbsp;Katz made the announcement during a House Committee discussion on legislation related to party financing ahead of the elections.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-police-detain-captain-of-speedboat-that-capsized-killing-15-indian-tourists-1783858338468">Vietnam Police detain captain of speedboat that capsized killing 15 Indian tourists</a>&nbsp;Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik added during the discussion that the current Knesset “will complete its full term and will not be dissolved,” meaning no early dissolution bill is required.&nbsp;The Knesset is expected to dissolve on Friday, and the coalition is seeking to secure as many political achievements as possible.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-transport-minister-on-surprise-inspection-told-to-get-off-bmtc-bus-for-not-having-change-1783864585001">Karnataka transport minister on surprise inspection told to get off BMTC bus for not having change</a>&nbsp;Opposition party leaders in the bloc seeking to replace PM Benjamin Netanyahu called for the establishment of a new government. Yisrael Beytenu leader MK Avigdor Liberman said, “On October 27, we will win.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“We will replace the government of the October 7 massacre and establish a Zionist and statesmanlike government, and we will rebuild the country,” he added.

This will be the first time since 1988 that elections will be held after a full four-year term. It will also be the first election to be held on schedule in Israel in nearly 40 years, and PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s government will be the first to complete its full term in over 50 years.

The Knesset House Committee chairman, Likud MK Ofir Katz, announced on Sunday that the parliamentary elections in Israel will be held on October 27, the date set by law, as the current Knesset completes its full four-year term this week on July 17. The date for the upcoming general elections was officially set for October 27 and will not be moved up, Katz said. Coalition whip MK Ofir Katz (Likud) told the Knesset House Committee, “Ultimately, despite everything that was said, this Knesset is completing its full term, something that has not happened for more than 40 years.” He also praised the government’s term, saying, “We passed nine budgets and hundreds of laws that benefit the citizens of the State of Israel.” Also Read: Strait of Hormuz ‘more important deterrent’ than dozens of atomic bombs, will protect it: Khamenei adviser The decision came after the bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its first reading in June, which could have moved the elections up from the original October 27 date set by law. With the elections set to take place on October 27 as planned, this will be the first time since 1988 that elections have been held after a full four-year term. Netanyahu govt first to complete its full term in over 50 years This would mark the first election to be held on schedule in Israel in nearly 40 years, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition government will be the first to complete its full term in over 50 years. Katz made the announcement during a House Committee discussion on legislation related to party financing ahead of the elections. Also Read: Vietnam Police detain captain of speedboat that capsized killing 15 Indian tourists Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik added during the discussion that the current Knesset “will complete its full term and will not be dissolved,” meaning no early dissolution bill is required. The Knesset is expected to dissolve on Friday, and the coalition is seeking to secure as many political achievements as possible. Also Read: Karnataka transport minister on surprise inspection told to get off BMTC bus for not having change Opposition party leaders in the bloc seeking to replace PM Benjamin Netanyahu called for the establishment of a new government. Yisrael Beytenu leader MK Avigdor Liberman said, “On October 27, we will win.” “We will replace the government of the October 7 massacre and establish a Zionist and statesmanlike government, and we will rebuild the country,” he added.

This will be the first time since 1988 that elections will be held after a full four-year term. It will also be the first election to be held on schedule in Israel in nearly 40 years, and PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s government will be the first to complete its full term in over 50 years.

Israel election to take place on Oct 27; Netanyahu govt to complete its full term

As many as 26 years after being elected as Israel's prime minister for the first time,&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu is gearing up for another tenure in the office. After making a stunning comeback in the election,&nbsp;Netanyahu, more fondly known as&nbsp;King Bibi has started coalition talks to form the government.&nbsp;Reports suggest that&nbsp;Netanyahu is set to form one of the most right-wing governments in history with his religious and ultranationalist allies.&nbsp;

Reportedly, after securing a decisive majority in Israel's fifth election in four years, Netanyahu has instructed&nbsp;Yariv Levin, his right-hand man to open talks with&nbsp;Religious Zionism and two ultra-Orthodox parties over portfolios. 
 
Bezalel Smotric and&nbsp;Itamar Ben-Gvir are expected to receive important ministerial berths&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-israels-longest-serving-pm-with-his-share-of-scandals-530667">Read more:&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel's longest-serving PM with his share of scandals</a>

Netanyahu led his Likud Party to become the largest political group in Knesset with 32 seats. Together with his allies, the Netanyahu-led right religious bloc has 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset.&nbsp;

This election caps the country’s ongoing political instability. Last year, Netanyahu was ousted as the country’s longest-serving leader after 12 years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-elections-2022-benjamin-netanyahus-right-wing-bloc-heads-for-majority-530387">WATCH |&nbsp;Israel elections 2022: Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc heads for majority</a>

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Earlier this week on Thursday,&nbsp;Israel's incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid conceded defeat and congratulated Netanyahu for the victory.&nbsp;

“The state of Israel comes before any political consideration. I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the state of Israel,” said the interim prime minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-election-netanyahu-makes-a-comeback-pm-lapid-concedes-defeat-531006">Read more:&nbsp;Israel election: Netanyahu makes a comeback, PM Yair Lapid concedes defeat</a>

Furthermore, a statement by his office said that following the results, Lapid also "instructed his entire office to prepare an organised transition of power.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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As many as 26 years after being elected as Israel's prime minister for the first time, Benjamin Netanyahu is gearing up for another tenure in the office. After making a stunning comeback in the election, Netanyahu, more fondly known as King Bibi has started coalition talks to form the government.

As many as 26 years after being elected as Israel's prime minister for the first time, Benjamin Netanyahu is gearing up for another tenure in the office. After making a stunning comeback in the election, Netanyahu, more fondly known as King Bibi has started coalition talks to form the government. Reports suggest that Netanyahu is set to form one of the most right-wing governments in history with his religious and ultranationalist allies. Reportedly, after securing a decisive majority in Israel's fifth election in four years, Netanyahu has instructed Yariv Levin, his right-hand man to open talks with Religious Zionism and two ultra-Orthodox parties over portfolios. Bezalel Smotric and Itamar Ben-Gvir are expected to receive important ministerial berths Read more: Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel's longest-serving PM with his share of scandals Netanyahu led his Likud Party to become the largest political group in Knesset with 32 seats. Together with his allies, the Netanyahu-led right religious bloc has 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset. This election caps the country’s ongoing political instability. Last year, Netanyahu was ousted as the country’s longest-serving leader after 12 years. WATCH | Israel elections 2022: Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc heads for majority × Earlier this week on Thursday, Israel's incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid conceded defeat and congratulated Netanyahu for the victory. “The state of Israel comes before any political consideration. I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the state of Israel,” said the interim prime minister. Read more: Israel election: Netanyahu makes a comeback, PM Yair Lapid concedes defeat Furthermore, a statement by his office said that following the results, Lapid also "instructed his entire office to prepare an organised transition of power.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel: Former PM Benjamin Netanyahu starts coalition talks to form the government

Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his right wing, religious camp was on the cusp of a great election win. Earlier,&nbsp;exit polls also predicted his bloc gaining a slim parliamentary majority, paving the way for his comeback.

"We have won a huge vote of confidence from the people of&nbsp;Israel," a smiling Netanyahu told supporters at his election headquarters in Jerusalem. "We are on the brink of a very big victory," he told the cheering crowd.

According to exit polls, the country’s longest-serving PM is poised to take at least 61 or 62 seats in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament), said a local media report. The actual outcome of the elections may differ from the early exit polls which are&nbsp;not expected until later this week.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid party is projected to win at least 24 seats. On the other hand, Religious Zionist Party, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir is poised to get at least 14 seats making it the third-largest party.&nbsp;

This is the country’s fifth election in less than four years which has exasperated many voters, however, reports suggest that this did not affect the voter turnout which was the highest since 1999. Netanyahu after 12 years was defeated last year by an unlikely coalition of centrist Yair Lapid and his partner Naftali Bennett which formed an alliance also including an Arab party for the first time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-election-2022-jewish-extremists-spray-noxious-liquid-on-polling-booths-to-desist-people-from-voting-530176">Israel election 2022: Jewish extremists spray noxious liquid on polling booths to desist people from voting</a>

Netanyahu is seen as one of the most controversial political figures and is also currently on trial for alleged bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges which he has vehemently denied in the past. Furthermore, he has reportedly been counting on support from Ben-Gvir, who was a member of a group called Kach, which is on Israel and the United States’ “terrorist” watchlists and the prospect of them forming a coalition has raised concerns among allies including Washington.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his right wing, religious camp was on the cusp of a great election win. Earlier, exit polls also predicted his bloc gaining a slim parliamentary majority, paving the way for his comeback.

Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his right wing, religious camp was on the cusp of a great election win. Earlier, exit polls also predicted his bloc gaining a slim parliamentary majority, paving the way for his comeback. "We have won a huge vote of confidence from the people of Israel," a smiling Netanyahu told supporters at his election headquarters in Jerusalem. "We are on the brink of a very big victory," he told the cheering crowd. According to exit polls, the country’s longest-serving PM is poised to take at least 61 or 62 seats in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament), said a local media report. The actual outcome of the elections may differ from the early exit polls which are not expected until later this week. × Meanwhile, the incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid party is projected to win at least 24 seats. On the other hand, Religious Zionist Party, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir is poised to get at least 14 seats making it the third-largest party. This is the country’s fifth election in less than four years which has exasperated many voters, however, reports suggest that this did not affect the voter turnout which was the highest since 1999. Netanyahu after 12 years was defeated last year by an unlikely coalition of centrist Yair Lapid and his partner Naftali Bennett which formed an alliance also including an Arab party for the first time. ALSO READ: Israel election 2022: Jewish extremists spray noxious liquid on polling booths to desist people from voting Netanyahu is seen as one of the most controversial political figures and is also currently on trial for alleged bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges which he has vehemently denied in the past. Furthermore, he has reportedly been counting on support from Ben-Gvir, who was a member of a group called Kach, which is on Israel and the United States’ “terrorist” watchlists and the prospect of them forming a coalition has raised concerns among allies including Washington. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel election: Former PM Netanyahu says his camp is on brink of a huge win

The voting for the fifth general election in less than four years began on Tuesday to determine the 25th Knesset.

People were seen lining up&nbsp;outiside the polling stations, which opened at 5 am (GMT).&nbsp;They have until 8 pm (GMT) to cast their ballot.

The latest election follows the collapse of the coalition government headed by Caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who was successful in ousting Benjamin <a name="_Hlk118194066">Netanyahu </a>last year.

Tuesday's vote is being held in the wake of soaring violence across Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

Several opinion polls prior to the Tuesday voting showed right-wing Likud Party head Netanyahu leading by a slender margin.

Polls by local channels have predicted the Netanyahu-led bloc to get 60 seats, one short of a majority in the 120-member Knesset.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel to hold fifth election in four years: It's Benjamin Netanyahu vs Yair Lapid

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All the surveys found Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s current coalition partners together garnering 56 seats, with the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al faction forecast to receive four mandates, reports AFP news agency.

A day prior to the voting, Lapid made one last pitch to sway the voters in his favour saying, that they will "continue” what they have “begun" and predicted, "We'll win these elections the only way we know -- by working harder than everyone else.”

On the other hand, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption and breach of trust, while addressing party members recently said that only he was capable of keeping the country safe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-final-tv-polls-indicate-that-the-netanyahu-bloc-is-one-seat-short-of-a-majority-529786">Israel elections: Final TV polls indicate that the Netanyahu bloc is one seat short of a majority</a>

"I ask you to go to all of your friends, all of your neighbours, all of your relatives, and tell them that nobody stays home," the 73-year-old known as Bibi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The voting for the fifth general election in less than four years began on Tuesday to determine the 25th Knesset. People were seen lining up outiside the polling stations, which opened at 5 am (GMT).

The voting for the fifth general election in less than four years began on Tuesday to determine the 25th Knesset. People were seen lining up outiside the polling stations, which opened at 5 am (GMT). They have until 8 pm (GMT) to cast their ballot. The latest election follows the collapse of the coalition government headed by Caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who was successful in ousting Benjamin Netanyahu last year. Tuesday's vote is being held in the wake of soaring violence across Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Several opinion polls prior to the Tuesday voting showed right-wing Likud Party head Netanyahu leading by a slender margin. Polls by local channels have predicted the Netanyahu-led bloc to get 60 seats, one short of a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Watch | Israel to hold fifth election in four years: It's Benjamin Netanyahu vs Yair Lapid All the surveys found Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s current coalition partners together garnering 56 seats, with the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al faction forecast to receive four mandates, reports AFP news agency. A day prior to the voting, Lapid made one last pitch to sway the voters in his favour saying, that they will "continue” what they have “begun" and predicted, "We'll win these elections the only way we know -- by working harder than everyone else.” On the other hand, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption and breach of trust, while addressing party members recently said that only he was capable of keeping the country safe. Also read | Israel elections: Final TV polls indicate that the Netanyahu bloc is one seat short of a majority "I ask you to go to all of your friends, all of your neighbours, all of your relatives, and tell them that nobody stays home," the 73-year-old known as Bibi said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel election 2022: Voting begins as Benjamin Netanyahu and Yair Lapid vie for premiership

Israelis are queuing up for the fifth time in four years. Every election has unmasked how complex politics has become in Israel. WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen decodes the four key players for you.

WION Dispatch | Israel Elections 2022: Will Benjamin Netanyahu make a comeback?

Residents of Ramat Beit Shemesh in Israel found it difficult to cast their vote as the polling stations were sprayed with noxious liquid.

The local media reported that the Jewish extremists were responsible for this incident as they want to discourage people from voting in the general elections on Tuesday.

It is believed that these ultra-orthodox extremists deliberately poured the pungent substance between Monday night and Tuesday in a bid to oppose the elections as they do not recognise Israel as a legitimate state. They also didn’t want other people to participate in the electoral process.&nbsp; Though the police have yet to confirm their role in this incident.

The polling officers noticed the foul smell upon arriving at the classrooms, which are being used as polling stations.

"When the secretaries came in the morning to open the four polling stations at the school in Beit Shemesh, there was a terrible smell in the rooms," Orly Ades, head of the&nbsp;Central Election Committee, told&nbsp;Ynet.&nbsp;

"But these are the kind of really small things that we know how to overcome. We found replacement trailers and immediately transferred the polling stations there. Let's hope there will be no more unusual events."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel voting underway live news | Opinion polls: Smaller parties may be the deciding factor

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The polling booths were later shifted to the trailers on the school campus after the place was cleaned, the media outlet reported.

Israeli police have launched an investigation into the incident and looking into reports of whether the ultra-orthodox were responsible for it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-begin-voting-as-benjamin-netanyahu-and-yair-lapid-vie-for-premiership-530105" hreflang="en">Israelis begin voting as Benjamin Netanyahu and Yair Lapid vie for premiership</a>

Meanwhile, voting percentage&nbsp;as of 10 am (local time) was at 15.9 per cent which is the highest at the time, the Central Election Committee announced.

In the previous elections, only 14.8 per cent of voter turnout was recorded as of 10 am.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Residents of Ramat Beit Shemesh in Israel found it difficult to cast their vote as the polling stations were sprayed with noxious liquid. The local media reported that the Jewish extremists were responsible for this incident as they want to discourage people from voting in the general elections on Tuesday.

Residents of Ramat Beit Shemesh in Israel found it difficult to cast their vote as the polling stations were sprayed with noxious liquid. The local media reported that the Jewish extremists were responsible for this incident as they want to discourage people from voting in the general elections on Tuesday. It is believed that these ultra-orthodox extremists deliberately poured the pungent substance between Monday night and Tuesday in a bid to oppose the elections as they do not recognise Israel as a legitimate state. They also didn’t want other people to participate in the electoral process. Though the police have yet to confirm their role in this incident. The polling officers noticed the foul smell upon arriving at the classrooms, which are being used as polling stations. "When the secretaries came in the morning to open the four polling stations at the school in Beit Shemesh, there was a terrible smell in the rooms," Orly Ades, head of the Central Election Committee, told Ynet. "But these are the kind of really small things that we know how to overcome. We found replacement trailers and immediately transferred the polling stations there. Let's hope there will be no more unusual events." Watch | Israel voting underway live news | Opinion polls: Smaller parties may be the deciding factor The polling booths were later shifted to the trailers on the school campus after the place was cleaned, the media outlet reported. Israeli police have launched an investigation into the incident and looking into reports of whether the ultra-orthodox were responsible for it. Also read | Israelis begin voting as Benjamin Netanyahu and Yair Lapid vie for premiership Meanwhile, voting percentage as of 10 am (local time) was at 15.9 per cent which is the highest at the time, the Central Election Committee announced. In the previous elections, only 14.8 per cent of voter turnout was recorded as of 10 am. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel election 2022: Jewish extremists spray noxious liquid on polling booths to desist people from voting

Israel goes to polls for the fifth time in four years on Tuesday. Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is eyeing a comeback. Will he take charge once again? Molly Gambhir brings you the details.

WION Fineprint | What to expect from the Israel elections

Israeli lawmakers granted initial approval on Wednesday (June 22) to proceed with the process of the fifth election in less than four years in the country after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said his eight-party coalition was no longer tenable. The lawmakers have given a nod to dissolve parliament.&nbsp;

The Israeli parliament voted unanimously for a snap election in a preliminary reading of a bill expected to be finalised next week. Notably, the government's bill still needs to pass a committee vote and three further votes in order to call an early election.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, 58, will take over from Bennett at the head of a caretaker government. As per Israeli media reports, new elections could be held in late October or early November in case final dissolution legislation is approved.&nbsp;

There is a strong possibility that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is already dominating the campaign, might make a comeback.&nbsp;

However, as reported by the Times Of Israel, Bennett announced that he will vote against a bill barring a lawmaker charged with a serious crime from becoming prime minister.&nbsp;

It is understood that the bill is targeting Netanyahu, who is being tried on criminal charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, the report said.&nbsp;

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Israeli lawmakers granted initial approval on Wednesday (June 22) to proceed with the process of the fifth election in less than four years in the country after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said his eight-party coalition was no longer tenable.

Israeli lawmakers granted initial approval on Wednesday (June 22) to proceed with the process of the fifth election in less than four years in the country after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said his eight-party coalition was no longer tenable. The lawmakers have given a nod to dissolve parliament. The Israeli parliament voted unanimously for a snap election in a preliminary reading of a bill expected to be finalised next week. Notably, the government's bill still needs to pass a committee vote and three further votes in order to call an early election. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, 58, will take over from Bennett at the head of a caretaker government. As per Israeli media reports, new elections could be held in late October or early November in case final dissolution legislation is approved. There is a strong possibility that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is already dominating the campaign, might make a comeback. However, as reported by the Times Of Israel, Bennett announced that he will vote against a bill barring a lawmaker charged with a serious crime from becoming prime minister. It is understood that the bill is targeting Netanyahu, who is being tried on criminal charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, the report said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli parliament votes to dissolve to give initial approval for early election

Yair Lapid, who is a former journalist, will replace Naftali Bennett as the next prime minister of Israel as the latter could not contain the rising pressure on his fragile ruling coalition.

Lapid, who is currently the foreign minister of Israel, heads the largest party in the coalition of the country. The 58-year-old will serve as interim prime minister until new elections can be held.

Counting eight-parties broadly united on the desire to end the tenure of former premier Benjamin Netanyahu, Bennett and Lapid forged an ideologically disparate alliance one year ago.

But the coalition had faced growing strains as its slight majority was cut by a series of defections that put the coalition on the brink of collapse.

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Bennett said in a televised statement as he stood alongside Lapid, "We are standing before you today in a moment that is not easy, but with the understanding, we made the right decision for Israel."

According to Bennett's spokesperson, a vote will be held in parliament next week after which Lapid will take over the premiership.

Now, instead of Bennett, Lapid will host US President Joe Biden, who is due to visit Israel in July.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-coalition-to-dissolve-parliament-new-elections-to-be-held-490026" hreflang="en">Israel coalition to dissolve parliament; new elections to be held</a>

The move by Bennett and Lapid highlighted that Israeli governance remains in crisis as Israel is holding the fifth election in three years, according to Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank.

Head of a centrist party in the coalition, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said "I think the government did very good work over the past year. It's a shame the country has to be dragged into elections."

Israeli media reported that snap parliamentary election will likely take place in October even though the date has not yet been announced.

Defending his government's record, Bennett said it had boosted economic growth, cut unemployment, and eliminated the deficit for the first time in 14 years.

Hailing the end of "the worst government in Israel's history", Netanyahu pledged to form "a strong and stable government" of right-wingers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Yair Lapid, who is a former journalist, will replace Naftali Bennett as the next prime minister of Israel as the latter could not contain the rising pressure on his fragile ruling coalition.

Yair Lapid, who is a former journalist, will replace Naftali Bennett as the next prime minister of Israel as the latter could not contain the rising pressure on his fragile ruling coalition. Lapid, who is currently the foreign minister of Israel, heads the largest party in the coalition of the country. The 58-year-old will serve as interim prime minister until new elections can be held. Counting eight-parties broadly united on the desire to end the tenure of former premier Benjamin Netanyahu, Bennett and Lapid forged an ideologically disparate alliance one year ago. But the coalition had faced growing strains as its slight majority was cut by a series of defections that put the coalition on the brink of collapse. × Bennett said in a televised statement as he stood alongside Lapid, "We are standing before you today in a moment that is not easy, but with the understanding, we made the right decision for Israel." According to Bennett's spokesperson, a vote will be held in parliament next week after which Lapid will take over the premiership. Now, instead of Bennett, Lapid will host US President Joe Biden, who is due to visit Israel in July. Also read | Israel coalition to dissolve parliament; new elections to be held The move by Bennett and Lapid highlighted that Israeli governance remains in crisis as Israel is holding the fifth election in three years, according to Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank. Head of a centrist party in the coalition, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said "I think the government did very good work over the past year. It's a shame the country has to be dragged into elections." Israeli media reported that snap parliamentary election will likely take place in October even though the date has not yet been announced. Defending his government's record, Bennett said it had boosted economic growth, cut unemployment, and eliminated the deficit for the first time in 14 years. Hailing the end of "the worst government in Israel's history", Netanyahu pledged to form "a strong and stable government" of right-wingers. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Explainer: Who is Yair Lapid, the former journalist who will become Israel's next prime minister?

Israel’s new prime minister appealed to the international community to stand together against Iran, accusing Tehran of marching toward the development of a nuclear weapon and threatening to act alone if the world does not take action. Watch this report for more details.

PM Bennett lambasts Iran for backing terror against Israel

Israel's&nbsp;new&nbsp;government, due to be sworn in on Sunday, consists of a hodgepodge of political parties that have little in common other than a desire to unseat veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;spans the far-left to the far-right and includes for the first time a small Islamist faction representing&nbsp;Israel's&nbsp;Arab minority.

It is expected to focus mostly on economic and social issues rather than risk exposing internal rifts by trying to address major diplomatic issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-knesset-to-vote-on-new-government-end-netanyahus-record-reign-391097">Israel's Knesset to vote on new government, end Netanyahu's record reign</a>

Here are the people&nbsp;who&nbsp;will be leading the&nbsp;new&nbsp;government:

Naftali Benett - Prime Minister

Bennett leads the ultranationalist Yamina (Rightwards) party that champions Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. He made a fortune in Israeli high-tech before entering politics in 2013. He served in previous Netanyahu-led&nbsp;governments, most recently as defence minister.

Now Bennett says he is joining with opponents to save the country from a period of political turmoil that could otherwise see the fifth election in just over two years. A plan he has floated to annex much of the West Bank seems unfeasible, given his&nbsp;new&nbsp;partners. He opposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-era-approaches-its-end-new-government-seals-coalition-deals-390928">Netanyahu era approaches its end, new government seals coalition deals</a>

Under the&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;deal, Bennett will serve as prime minister for two years and until he is replaced by Yair Lapid. He will be the country's first leader to wear a kippah, a skullcap worn by Orthodox Jews.

Yair&nbsp;Lapid - Foreign Minister

Lapid heads the centrist Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party and was the architect behind the&nbsp;new&nbsp;government. His party is the biggest in the&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;but he agreed to share power with Bennett to secure a parliamentary majority.

He quit his job as a TV anchor in 2012 and formed his own party, running on the promise to ease financial pressures on the middle-class. He also seeks to end many of the state-funded privileges enjoyed by ultra-Orthodox Jews, a long-running source of grievance to many secular Israelis.

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He initially served as finance minister before moving to the opposition, which he led until Sunday.

Lapid will serve as foreign minister for two years and then take over as prime minister until the end of the&nbsp;government. If it lasts that long.

Benny Gantz - Defence Minister

Just two years ago Gantz, a former military chief heading the centrist Blue and White party, was the opposition's best hope to unseat Netanyahu.

But he agreed to join Netanyahu in a "unity"&nbsp;government, a decision that angered many of his supporters.

He will be a part of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;coalition, remaining in the post of defence minister.

Avigdor&nbsp;Lieberman - Finance Minister

A far-right immigrant from Moldova&nbsp;who&nbsp;lives in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Lieberman has been a political wildcard over the past decade. He has joined Netanyahu&nbsp;governments, including as defence minister, but also quit.

As finance minister, he will have to rein in a budget deficit that ballooned during the coronavirus crisis.

He has also said he will try to change the status quo between the&nbsp;government&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel's&nbsp;politically powerful ultra-Orthodox minority, which is a mainstay of Netanyahu's outgoing&nbsp;government.

The ultra-Orthodox community has low participation rates in the workforce and relies heavily on&nbsp;government&nbsp;handouts while focusing on religious studies. Lieberman has said he will work to integrate them more into the economy.

Gideon Saar - Justice Minister

Saar was Netanyahu's main rival within Likud, but Netanyahu did his best to keep him out of the spotlight and away from the highest-level portfolios. Frustrated, Saar launched a failed leadership bid then spun off his own party.

As head of the&nbsp;New&nbsp;Hope party, Saar will be bumped up to the justice minister, where he will oversee the legal system and become a member of the security cabinet.

Mansour Abbas

Abbas's small United Arab List will be the first party in an Israeli&nbsp;government&nbsp;to be drawn from&nbsp;Israel's&nbsp;21% Arab minority - Palestinian by culture and heritage, but Israeli by citizenship.

He split with other Arab politicians&nbsp;who&nbsp;prefer to remain outside&nbsp;government&nbsp;and cast aside differences with Bennett and other right-wingers to tip the scales against Netanyahu.

Abbas is expected to serve as a deputy minister in the prime minister's office. He aims to negotiate a big increase in&nbsp;government&nbsp;spending in Arab towns and villages.

But his presence is a potentially destabilising factor. He has been criticised by Palestinians for agreeing to support an Israeli&nbsp;government&nbsp;while Israel continues to occupy the Palestinian territories. Addressing these tensions, Abbas told the Italian daily La Repubblica on Friday: "There will be difficult decisions to be made, including security decisions. We have to juggle our identity as Palestinian Arabs and citizens of the State of Israel, between civil and nationalistic aspects."

Israel's new government, due to be sworn in on Sunday, consists of a hodgepodge of political parties that have little in common other than a desire to unseat veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel's new government, due to be sworn in on Sunday, consists of a hodgepodge of political parties that have little in common other than a desire to unseat veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The coalition spans the far-left to the far-right and includes for the first time a small Islamist faction representing Israel's Arab minority. It is expected to focus mostly on economic and social issues rather than risk exposing internal rifts by trying to address major diplomatic issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Also read | Israel's Knesset to vote on new government, end Netanyahu's record reign Here are the people who will be leading the new government: Naftali Benett - Prime Minister Bennett leads the ultranationalist Yamina (Rightwards) party that champions Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. He made a fortune in Israeli high-tech before entering politics in 2013. He served in previous Netanyahu-led governments, most recently as defence minister. Now Bennett says he is joining with opponents to save the country from a period of political turmoil that could otherwise see the fifth election in just over two years. A plan he has floated to annex much of the West Bank seems unfeasible, given his new partners. He opposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Also read | Netanyahu era approaches its end, new government seals coalition deals Under the coalition deal, Bennett will serve as prime minister for two years and until he is replaced by Yair Lapid. He will be the country's first leader to wear a kippah, a skullcap worn by Orthodox Jews. Yair Lapid - Foreign Minister Lapid heads the centrist Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party and was the architect behind the new government. His party is the biggest in the coalition but he agreed to share power with Bennett to secure a parliamentary majority. He quit his job as a TV anchor in 2012 and formed his own party, running on the promise to ease financial pressures on the middle-class. He also seeks to end many of the state-funded privileges enjoyed by ultra-Orthodox Jews, a long-running source of grievance to many secular Israelis. He initially served as finance minister before moving to the opposition, which he led until Sunday. Lapid will serve as foreign minister for two years and then take over as prime minister until the end of the government. If it lasts that long. Benny Gantz - Defence Minister Just two years ago Gantz, a former military chief heading the centrist Blue and White party, was the opposition's best hope to unseat Netanyahu. But he agreed to join Netanyahu in a "unity" government, a decision that angered many of his supporters. He will be a part of the new coalition, remaining in the post of defence minister. Avigdor Lieberman - Finance Minister A far-right immigrant from Moldova who lives in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Lieberman has been a political wildcard over the past decade. He has joined Netanyahu governments, including as defence minister, but also quit. As finance minister, he will have to rein in a budget deficit that ballooned during the coronavirus crisis. He has also said he will try to change the status quo between the government and Israel's politically powerful ultra-Orthodox minority, which is a mainstay of Netanyahu's outgoing government. The ultra-Orthodox community has low participation rates in the workforce and relies heavily on government handouts while focusing on religious studies. Lieberman has said he will work to integrate them more into the economy. Gideon Saar - Justice Minister Saar was Netanyahu's main rival within Likud, but Netanyahu did his best to keep him out of the spotlight and away from the highest-level portfolios. Frustrated, Saar launched a failed leadership bid then spun off his own party. As head of the New Hope party, Saar will be bumped up to the justice minister, where he will oversee the legal system and become a member of the security cabinet. Mansour Abbas Abbas's small United Arab List will be the first party in an Israeli government to be drawn from Israel's 21% Arab minority - Palestinian by culture and heritage, but Israeli by citizenship. He split with other Arab politicians who prefer to remain outside government and cast aside differences with Bennett and other right-wingers to tip the scales against Netanyahu. Abbas is expected to serve as a deputy minister in the prime minister's office. He aims to negotiate a big increase in government spending in Arab towns and villages. But his presence is a potentially destabilising factor. He has been criticised by Palestinians for agreeing to support an Israeli government while Israel continues to occupy the Palestinian territories. Addressing these tensions, Abbas told the Italian daily La Repubblica on Friday: "There will be difficult decisions to be made, including security decisions. We have to juggle our identity as Palestinian Arabs and citizens of the State of Israel, between civil and nationalistic aspects."

Explainer-Who's who in Israel's new patchwork coalition government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to topple the coalition poised to replace his government. Netanyahu decried the coalition negotiations as election fraud with a warning that it's still not too late.

Netanyahu vows to topple emerging govt, slams 'biggest election fraud in history'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to two right-wing rivals to "come back home" and align themselves with him again to break a deadlock following Israel's inconclusive election last week.

Netanyahu to rivals: Come back home, align with me

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on right-wing parties to join him in a governing coalition, in his first speech since elections last week.

Israel's Netanyahu urges right-wing parties to form coalition

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate.

After hearing the parties' recommendations, President Reuven Rivlin will assign the coalition-building task to one of the candidates by April 7, a spokesman said.

A final tally from the March 23 election showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and kindred factions in control of 52 seats in the 120-member parliament. A potential opposition grouping took 57 seats.

With no easy path to a governing majority, Netanyahu's political fate may depend on the leaders of two wild-card parties, the far-right Yamina led by ex-defence minister Naftali Bennett and an Arab Islamist faction led by Mansour Abbas.

A patchwork opposition bloc of left-wing, centrist and rightist parties that also came up short of a majority has made no announcement of any formal alliance or who might lead it.

Of all the potential parties in such a coalition, centrist Yesh Atid, headed by former finance minister Yair Lapid, won the most legislative seats, 17, in last Tuesday's vote.

Likud captured the most seats in the election, 30, but Rivlin is under no legal obligation to task Netanyahu with putting together a government and can pick another candidate instead on the basis of the parties' recommendations.

Whoever Rivlin nominates will have up to 42 days to try to form an administration before the president assigns the task to someone else. If the second candidate fails, Rivlin can ask parliament to try to choose someone. If that proves unsuccessful, Israel would head into a fifth election.

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate.

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate. After hearing the parties' recommendations, President Reuven Rivlin will assign the coalition-building task to one of the candidates by April 7, a spokesman said. A final tally from the March 23 election showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and kindred factions in control of 52 seats in the 120-member parliament. A potential opposition grouping took 57 seats. With no easy path to a governing majority, Netanyahu's political fate may depend on the leaders of two wild-card parties, the far-right Yamina led by ex-defence minister Naftali Bennett and an Arab Islamist faction led by Mansour Abbas. A patchwork opposition bloc of left-wing, centrist and rightist parties that also came up short of a majority has made no announcement of any formal alliance or who might lead it. Of all the potential parties in such a coalition, centrist Yesh Atid, headed by former finance minister Yair Lapid, won the most legislative seats, 17, in last Tuesday's vote. Likud captured the most seats in the election, 30, but Rivlin is under no legal obligation to task Netanyahu with putting together a government and can pick another candidate instead on the basis of the parties' recommendations. Whoever Rivlin nominates will have up to 42 days to try to form an administration before the president assigns the task to someone else. If the second candidate fails, Rivlin can ask parliament to try to choose someone. If that proves unsuccessful, Israel would head into a fifth election.

Israel's president to pick candidate next week to try to form government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party.

Partial tallies from Tuesday's ballot showed Netanyahu's conservative Likud and ideologically kindred factions short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset - raising the possibility he would seek some sort of accommodation with the United Arab List.

The central election committee said it had counted nearly 100 per cent of the ballots from Tuesday's vote, with the results indicating a 59-seat bloc for the right-wing and religious parties that would join a Netanyahu-led coalition, two seats short of a majority.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prime-minister-netanyahu-falls-short-of-majority-amid-vote-count-in-israeli-elections-372896">Prime Minister Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count in Israeli elections</a>

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving premier after 12 years in power, had hoped Tuesday's election would finally allow him to unite a stable right-wing coalition behind him, after three inconclusive elections since 2019.

While political commentators saw the inclusion of the UAL - which was forecast to win four seats - in a Netanyahu-led government as unlikely, some predicted the party might instead pledge not to support any opposition no-confidence motions.

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In exchange for such protection from an unlikely ally, Netanyahu would agree on measures to improve conditions for Israel's 21% Arab minority, the commentators said.

But Religious Zionism, an ultranationalist party run by Jewish settlers and forecast to take six seats, indicated Netanyahu could not rely on its support if he reached an arrangement with the UAL, which has pro-Palestinian sympathies.

"No rightist government predicated on UAL will arise. Period. Not (with UAL) on the inside, nor the outside, not through abstention, nor through some other kind of (scheme)," Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich said on Facebook.

UAL has signalled openness to back the next government, whether under Netanyahu or his centrist rival Yair Lapid, who with like-minded politicians appears set to control 57 seats.

A Netanyahu-led coalition that includes Religious Zionism controls 52 seats, the partial results show.

"Sometimes coalitions include people who don't really like each other," UAL's Waleed Taha told Israel's Army Radio.

He said his party was not, at this time, "talking about improving our personal roles" - an allusion to cabinet posts.

Asked if UAL might, from the opposition, provide ad-hoc parliamentary support for a Netanyahu-led coalition with Religious Zionism, Taha said the onus was on the far-rightists.

"If it is acceptable, to the people that you mentioned, that all of the subjects that we raise are accepted, then it would appear they have changed their stripes," he said.

Another potential kingmaker, former defence minister Naftali Bennett, whose nationalist Yamina party appears to have won seven seats, has been non-committal on which way it may swing.

Final results in the politically polarised country's fourth election in two years were expected to be announced late on Thursday or on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party. Partial tallies from Tuesday's ballot showed Netanyahu's conservative Likud and ideologically kindred factions short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset - raising the possibility he would seek some sort of accommodation with the United Arab List. The central election committee said it had counted nearly 100 per cent of the ballots from Tuesday's vote, with the results indicating a 59-seat bloc for the right-wing and religious parties that would join a Netanyahu-led coalition, two seats short of a majority. Also read| Prime Minister Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count in Israeli elections Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving premier after 12 years in power, had hoped Tuesday's election would finally allow him to unite a stable right-wing coalition behind him, after three inconclusive elections since 2019. While political commentators saw the inclusion of the UAL - which was forecast to win four seats - in a Netanyahu-led government as unlikely, some predicted the party might instead pledge not to support any opposition no-confidence motions. In exchange for such protection from an unlikely ally, Netanyahu would agree on measures to improve conditions for Israel's 21% Arab minority, the commentators said. But Religious Zionism, an ultranationalist party run by Jewish settlers and forecast to take six seats, indicated Netanyahu could not rely on its support if he reached an arrangement with the UAL, which has pro-Palestinian sympathies. "No rightist government predicated on UAL will arise. Period. Not (with UAL) on the inside, nor the outside, not through abstention, nor through some other kind of (scheme)," Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich said on Facebook. UAL has signalled openness to back the next government, whether under Netanyahu or his centrist rival Yair Lapid, who with like-minded politicians appears set to control 57 seats. A Netanyahu-led coalition that includes Religious Zionism controls 52 seats, the partial results show. "Sometimes coalitions include people who don't really like each other," UAL's Waleed Taha told Israel's Army Radio. He said his party was not, at this time, "talking about improving our personal roles" - an allusion to cabinet posts. Asked if UAL might, from the opposition, provide ad-hoc parliamentary support for a Netanyahu-led coalition with Religious Zionism, Taha said the onus was on the far-rightists. "If it is acceptable, to the people that you mentioned, that all of the subjects that we raise are accepted, then it would appear they have changed their stripes," he said. Another potential kingmaker, former defence minister Naftali Bennett, whose nationalist Yamina party appears to have won seven seats, has been non-committal on which way it may swing. Final results in the politically polarised country's fourth election in two years were expected to be announced late on Thursday or on Friday.

Israeli far-rightists clouding Netanyahu coalition prospects

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s prospects for another term looked uncertain after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory.

Israel Election: Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

Netanyahu had campaigned on a world-leading coronavirus vaccination effort that has already inoculated roughly half of Israel's roughly nine million people, a pace envied by much of the world.&nbsp;

He described Tuesday's projected results as a "huge win for the right" and his Likud party. "I will reach out to all elected officials who share our principles. I will not exclude anyone," he told supporters.&nbsp;

If the projections reflect the final results expected later this week, Likud could win 30 or 31 seats.&nbsp;Adding Likud's hawkish, religious allies, the pro-Netanyahu camp could control more than 50 seats.&nbsp;

But his only path to a viable right-wing coalition appears to rest on a deal with his estranged former protege Naftali Bennett, who has not ruled out joining a bloc opposed to the premier.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a former television anchor whose centrist Yesh Atid party looked set to place a second behind Likud, claimed the anti-Netanyahu bloc had a path to a majority.

Numbers were continuing to shift early Wednesday and it remained possible that Netanyahu would fall short of a majority even with Bennett's support.

Lapid said he has "started speaking to party leaders and we'll wait for the results but we'll do everything to create a sane government in Israel."

Even if Bennett's projected seven seats technically enable Netanyahu to cobble together a government, there is no guarantee the two will unite.

Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to be indicted in office after being formally charged last year with corruption, an allegation he denies.

Netanyahu has said he will not block the trial and looks forward to being exonerated, but critics suspect that if he forms a majority, he may seek parliamentary action to delay or end the process.

A Netanyahu coalition will also require alignment with a new far-right extremist alliance called Religious Zionism, which is projected to win between six and seven seats.

That means the bloc will send to parliament Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has voiced admiration for the mass-murderer of 29 Palestinian worshippers in Hebron in 1994, Baruch Goldstein.

Tuesday's vote was forced on Israelis after Netanyahu triggered the collapse of a unity government he had formed last year with former military chief Benny Gantz, his main challenger in three&nbsp;previous, inconclusive elections.

Gantz is projected to win seven or eight seats in Tuesday's election, outperforming expectations but still a far fall from a year ago, when he was Netanyahu's main challenger.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority. Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. Netanyahu had campaigned on a world-leading coronavirus vaccination effort that has already inoculated roughly half of Israel's roughly nine million people, a pace envied by much of the world. He described Tuesday's projected results as a "huge win for the right" and his Likud party. "I will reach out to all elected officials who share our principles. I will not exclude anyone," he told supporters. If the projections reflect the final results expected later this week, Likud could win 30 or 31 seats. Adding Likud's hawkish, religious allies, the pro-Netanyahu camp could control more than 50 seats. But his only path to a viable right-wing coalition appears to rest on a deal with his estranged former protege Naftali Bennett, who has not ruled out joining a bloc opposed to the premier. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a former television anchor whose centrist Yesh Atid party looked set to place a second behind Likud, claimed the anti-Netanyahu bloc had a path to a majority. Numbers were continuing to shift early Wednesday and it remained possible that Netanyahu would fall short of a majority even with Bennett's support. Lapid said he has "started speaking to party leaders and we'll wait for the results but we'll do everything to create a sane government in Israel." Even if Bennett's projected seven seats technically enable Netanyahu to cobble together a government, there is no guarantee the two will unite. Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to be indicted in office after being formally charged last year with corruption, an allegation he denies. Netanyahu has said he will not block the trial and looks forward to being exonerated, but critics suspect that if he forms a majority, he may seek parliamentary action to delay or end the process. A Netanyahu coalition will also require alignment with a new far-right extremist alliance called Religious Zionism, which is projected to win between six and seven seats. That means the bloc will send to parliament Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has voiced admiration for the mass-murderer of 29 Palestinian worshippers in Hebron in 1994, Baruch Goldstein. Tuesday's vote was forced on Israelis after Netanyahu triggered the collapse of a unity government he had formed last year with former military chief Benny Gantz, his main challenger in three previous, inconclusive elections. Gantz is projected to win seven or eight seats in Tuesday's election, outperforming expectations but still a far fall from a year ago, when he was Netanyahu's main challenger. (with inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu claims victory in Israel election but majority uncertain

Israelis made the trip to polling stations for a fourth time in two years amid uncertainty over the political future of PM Benjamin Netanyahu. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: Netanyahu faces uphill battle as Israel votes

Israel holds its fourth general election in two years on Tuesday after the coalition government collapsed in December.

Israel Elects: 4th snap polls since the collapse of Netanyahu's govt

Israel has gone to the polls for the fourth time in two years what is being largely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continuance.

Israel Election: COVID-19 vaccines saved Israel, but will it save Netanyahu?

Israelis return to the polling station for the fourth time in two years

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who 
have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote.

Israelis who tested positive for coronavirus will be casting their ballots in specially designed drive-through polling stations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polls-open-in-israel-as-contenders-seek-to-topple-pm-netanyahu-372460">Polls open in Israel as contenders seek to topple PM Netanyahu</a>

The country began its fourth elections in the past two years on Tuesday morning. This time the current Prime 
Minister Benjamin &nbsp;Netanyahu's Likud party will be clashing against a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-lesh Atid party.

Netanyahu is running his campaign on the basis of the recovery and vaccination drive which set a world record in the coronavirus pandemic year.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-elects-4th-snap-polls-since-the-collapse-of-netanyahus-govt-372469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With the slogan of "Vaccination Nation", Netanyahu is hoping to be able to win back the votes of the locals after battling various allegations and cases of abuse of power and corruption.

Since the coronavirus pandemic has sent the country into multiple lockdowns, the authorities have made sure to take all necessary precautions.

The people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been given the chance to cast their vote by casting their ballot through a drive-through polling booth.

All election officers and volunteers present at the booths were seen wearing protective gears from head to toe, while 
supervising and initiating the voting process.

When a car drives in through the designated drive-way, the ballot station is wheeled towards the car and the 
officials stand behind a divider while the voters choose their ballot.

Netanyahu is hoping to continue his stride of being Israel's longest-serving head of the government, despite the continuous protests against him.

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote.

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote. Israelis who tested positive for coronavirus will be casting their ballots in specially designed drive-through polling stations. Also read | Polls open in Israel as contenders seek to topple PM Netanyahu The country began its fourth elections in the past two years on Tuesday morning. This time the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party will be clashing against a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-lesh Atid party. Netanyahu is running his campaign on the basis of the recovery and vaccination drive which set a world record in the coronavirus pandemic year. Watch | With the slogan of "Vaccination Nation", Netanyahu is hoping to be able to win back the votes of the locals after battling various allegations and cases of abuse of power and corruption. Since the coronavirus pandemic has sent the country into multiple lockdowns, the authorities have made sure to take all necessary precautions. The people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been given the chance to cast their vote by casting their ballot through a drive-through polling booth. All election officers and volunteers present at the booths were seen wearing protective gears from head to toe, while supervising and initiating the voting process. When a car drives in through the designated drive-way, the ballot station is wheeled towards the car and the officials stand behind a divider while the voters choose their ballot. Netanyahu is hoping to continue his stride of being Israel's longest-serving head of the government, despite the continuous protests against him.

Israel opts for drive-thru voting for COVID positive people

Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just days before the country’s fourth general election in less than two years.

Israel elects: Over 20,000 people gathered near Netanyahu's residence

Israel's election heading towards a deadlock

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies.

The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power.

Netanyahu's detractors accuse him of corruption and say his management made the coronavirus pandemic worse in view of protracted lockdowns, and battered the economy.

Waving flags including the Israeli blue-and-white, protesters led by a young man with a bullhorn chanted "Bibi go home", using the prime minister's nickname.

They also held up signs carrying a broad range of messages, from the need for a leadership "revolution" to mistrust in the police.

Netanyahu was the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office for corruption when he was formally charged last year in three cases over claims he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.

The combative premier denies wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a witch-hunt, but he would be forced to resign if convicted with all appeals exhausted.

First launched in June last year, the vocal and colourful demonstrations against Netanyahu have gained momentum over the past 38 weeks, with Saturday night's rally -- the 39th -- the largest in recent months.

Final pre-election opinion polls broadcast on television Friday night showed that Netanyahu's Likud party and its hawkish, religious allies were tied for a majority with those seeking to replace the premier.

His campaign has sought to take credit for Israel's coronavirus vaccination drive, which is the envy of many nations.

Netanyahu has been in power for a record 12 consecutive years, and hopes to remain in office following Israel's fourth election in less than two years on March 23.

The prime minister also hopes for a boost from having clinched historic normalisation ties with four Arab countries -- the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

(with inputs)

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies. The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power.

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies. The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power. Netanyahu's detractors accuse him of corruption and say his management made the coronavirus pandemic worse in view of protracted lockdowns, and battered the economy. Waving flags including the Israeli blue-and-white, protesters led by a young man with a bullhorn chanted "Bibi go home", using the prime minister's nickname. They also held up signs carrying a broad range of messages, from the need for a leadership "revolution" to mistrust in the police. Netanyahu was the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office for corruption when he was formally charged last year in three cases over claims he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. The combative premier denies wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a witch-hunt, but he would be forced to resign if convicted with all appeals exhausted. First launched in June last year, the vocal and colourful demonstrations against Netanyahu have gained momentum over the past 38 weeks, with Saturday night's rally -- the 39th -- the largest in recent months. Final pre-election opinion polls broadcast on television Friday night showed that Netanyahu's Likud party and its hawkish, religious allies were tied for a majority with those seeking to replace the premier. His campaign has sought to take credit for Israel's coronavirus vaccination drive, which is the envy of many nations. Netanyahu has been in power for a record 12 consecutive years, and hopes to remain in office following Israel's fourth election in less than two years on March 23. The prime minister also hopes for a boost from having clinched historic normalisation ties with four Arab countries -- the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. (with inputs)

Thousands rally at anti-Netanyahu protest ahead of election

JERUSALEM — For three elections in a row, Israel’s conservative prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has managed to stave off challenges from the center-left.

Now, as Israel moves to an unprecedented fourth early election in two years, the center-left has imploded and Netanyahu faces a challenge from his own former allies on the right.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-receives-covid-19-vaccine-jab-351132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The election, set for March 23 after a fragile, fractious unity coalition disintegrated on Tuesday, is shaping up as a battle of conservatives versus conservatives, an intramural contest for the leadership of the roughly half of Israeli voters who consider themselves right-of-center.

“It will be a right-wing government,” said Gadi Wolfsfeld, a veteran analyst of Israeli elections. “The question is who will lead it, and how right-wing will it be?”

Leading the charge against Netanyahu, the longtime premier and leader of the conservative Likud party, are two former protégés-turned-rivals: Naftali Bennett, a former education and defense minister who leads the religious-right Yamina party, and Gideon Saar, a popular former education and interior minister.

Bennett, 48, sitting in the opposition, elevated his stature and his standing in the polls this year by assailing Netanyahu’s handling of the coronavirus. He toured the country’s hospitals, courted business owners suffering repeated lockdowns and published a book-length list of recommendations on contact tracing, testing and more, a number of which the government adopted.

But it was the defection this month of Saar, 54, from Likud to form a breakaway right-wing party called “New Hope” that catapulted him into contention overnight. His move has invigorated critics of the prime minister, known to Israelis as Bibi, raising hopes that this election could be the one that sends Netanyahu, 71, into retirement.

“For the first time, the fight is on the right side of the map,” said Karine Nahon, a political scientist at the Interdisciplinary Center-Herzliya. “Usually it fell in behind Bibi without any questions. Now, two parties are actually challenging the hegemony of the Likud.”

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, will scarcely be at a disadvantage heading into the March contest: He is already trumpeting Israel’s speedy start to vaccinations and its historic normalization deals with four Arab states. And he is a master of controlling the news cycle, among the many benefits of incumbency.

Still, the pandemic has thrown 1 million Israelis out of work, business leaders warn that tens of thousands of companies could be wiped out, and yet another lockdown is looming to remind voters of the government’s inability to curb the virus.

But Netanyahu’s biggest liability could emerge in February, when testimony is to begin in his trial on felony corruption charges, including bribery and breach of trust. A key reason that Israel is being subjected to yet another election, analysts say, is Netanyahu’s burning desire to bolster his support in Parliament for a possible move to mitigate his legal exposure, defer prosecution or even have the case tossed altogether.

Indeed, while Israel’s rat-a-tat elections may look from the outside like a symptom of systemic instability, up close, even Netanyahu’s supporters view the recurring campaigns as evidence of his ability to bend the system to his purposes.

To be sure, few are celebrating the prospect of yet another election campaign, a limited caretaker government in the interim and Election Day itself, which entails the closing of many businesses at a time when the pandemic has already devastated the economy.

“A fourth election will not be at our expense,” Roi Cohen, leader of Lahav, a small-business group, said on a radio program Wednesday. “Go find another pocket!”

A cartoon in the newspaper Yediot Ahronot captured the sense of dread with a family cowering in their living room between a scary-looking COVID-19 cell barging in through one window and a menacing ballot box crashing in from another.

What paved the way for the fourth election — and made Bennett and Saar see this as the moment to try to end Netanyahu’s career — was the breathtaking collapse of the center-left’s anti-Netanyahu movement led by Benny Gantz, the former army chief who fought Netanyahu to a draw in three straight ballots beginning in April 2019.

After galvanizing anti-Netanyahu voters behind his Blue and White party, Gantz broke his most fundamental campaign promise — that he would not join a government led by a prime minister under indictment — and entered a Netanyahu-led coalition. In exchange, he was promised an alternating prime ministership — Netanyahu would go first, and Gantz would get a turn next fall — a check that scarcely anyone in Israel thought Gantz would be able to cash.

But if Gantz’s bright political future is now a memory, anti-Netanyahu fervor has only grown, with weekly protests drawing thousands of participants and not just in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, but at bus stops and highway overpasses in far-flung places long seen as Netanyahu territory.

“There’s a real restlessness on the part of a significant portion of Likud voters,” said Dahlia Scheindlin, a pollster and strategist. “Before, there was nowhere to go for the runoff of people getting sick of Netanyahu. Now, they really have interesting options.”

Saar, who was a top vote-getter in Likud primaries in 2008 and 2012 and mounted a failed primary challenge against Netanyahu a year ago, said in announcing his new party that his old one had devolved into a “cult of personality” and had become a “tool for the personal interests” of the prime minister, “including matters relating to his criminal trial.”

Sima Kadmon, a columnist for Yediot, said that many Likud voters have grown weary of Netanyahu and perceive his actions — including pushing for changes to the Israeli legal system — as motivated above all “by his desperate need to evade his trial.”

“These traditional Likud followers see the populism and dishonesty that govern Netanyahu’s actions,” Kadmon said. “They are looking for a more civilized government, both in style and in essence. Bennett and Saar provide this alternative.”

Challenges from Bennett and Saar would presumably also deprive Netanyahu of a go-to campaign tactic: portraying his opponents as terrorist-coddling leftists.

But Saar also brings skills that could be decisive in the crucial postelection negotiations over forming a governing coalition. A longtime Likud whip, Saar was said to have orchestrated a slick parliamentary maneuver on Monday night, in which Likud and Blue and White defectors emerged from hiding — some of them in their cars — at the last minute to vote down a measure buying time for Netanyahu and Gantz to work out a deal to avert, or at least delay, elections.

Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, suggested Saar was deft enough even to bring a left-wing party like Meretz into a coalition with him. “He has to do one thing, get Bibi out,” Pfeffer said. “If he gets Bibi out, everything’s possible.”

Then again, no one is known to have gotten rich betting against Netanyahu. Tal Shalev, a political writer for Walla News, said she had little difficulty imagining Bennett or Saar ending up as a minister in still another Netanyahu-led government.

“If Gantz broke the promise,” she said, “why shouldn’t they?” 
&nbsp;

JERUSALEM — For three elections in a row, Israel’s conservative prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has managed to stave off challenges from the center-left. Now, as Israel moves to an unprecedented fourth early election in two years, the center-left has imploded and Netanyahu faces a challenge from his own former allies on the right.

JERUSALEM — For three elections in a row, Israel’s conservative prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has managed to stave off challenges from the center-left. Now, as Israel moves to an unprecedented fourth early election in two years, the center-left has imploded and Netanyahu faces a challenge from his own former allies on the right. Watch | The election, set for March 23 after a fragile, fractious unity coalition disintegrated on Tuesday, is shaping up as a battle of conservatives versus conservatives, an intramural contest for the leadership of the roughly half of Israeli voters who consider themselves right-of-center. “It will be a right-wing government,” said Gadi Wolfsfeld, a veteran analyst of Israeli elections. “The question is who will lead it, and how right-wing will it be?” Leading the charge against Netanyahu, the longtime premier and leader of the conservative Likud party, are two former protégés-turned-rivals: Naftali Bennett, a former education and defense minister who leads the religious-right Yamina party, and Gideon Saar, a popular former education and interior minister. Bennett, 48, sitting in the opposition, elevated his stature and his standing in the polls this year by assailing Netanyahu’s handling of the coronavirus. He toured the country’s hospitals, courted business owners suffering repeated lockdowns and published a book-length list of recommendations on contact tracing, testing and more, a number of which the government adopted. But it was the defection this month of Saar, 54, from Likud to form a breakaway right-wing party called “New Hope” that catapulted him into contention overnight. His move has invigorated critics of the prime minister, known to Israelis as Bibi, raising hopes that this election could be the one that sends Netanyahu, 71, into retirement. “For the first time, the fight is on the right side of the map,” said Karine Nahon, a political scientist at the Interdisciplinary Center-Herzliya. “Usually it fell in behind Bibi without any questions. Now, two parties are actually challenging the hegemony of the Likud.” Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, will scarcely be at a disadvantage heading into the March contest: He is already trumpeting Israel’s speedy start to vaccinations and its historic normalization deals with four Arab states. And he is a master of controlling the news cycle, among the many benefits of incumbency. Still, the pandemic has thrown 1 million Israelis out of work, business leaders warn that tens of thousands of companies could be wiped out, and yet another lockdown is looming to remind voters of the government’s inability to curb the virus. But Netanyahu’s biggest liability could emerge in February, when testimony is to begin in his trial on felony corruption charges, including bribery and breach of trust. A key reason that Israel is being subjected to yet another election, analysts say, is Netanyahu’s burning desire to bolster his support in Parliament for a possible move to mitigate his legal exposure, defer prosecution or even have the case tossed altogether. Indeed, while Israel’s rat-a-tat elections may look from the outside like a symptom of systemic instability, up close, even Netanyahu’s supporters view the recurring campaigns as evidence of his ability to bend the system to his purposes. To be sure, few are celebrating the prospect of yet another election campaign, a limited caretaker government in the interim and Election Day itself, which entails the closing of many businesses at a time when the pandemic has already devastated the economy. “A fourth election will not be at our expense,” Roi Cohen, leader of Lahav, a small-business group, said on a radio program Wednesday. “Go find another pocket!” A cartoon in the newspaper Yediot Ahronot captured the sense of dread with a family cowering in their living room between a scary-looking COVID-19 cell barging in through one window and a menacing ballot box crashing in from another. What paved the way for the fourth election — and made Bennett and Saar see this as the moment to try to end Netanyahu’s career — was the breathtaking collapse of the center-left’s anti-Netanyahu movement led by Benny Gantz, the former army chief who fought Netanyahu to a draw in three straight ballots beginning in April 2019. After galvanizing anti-Netanyahu voters behind his Blue and White party, Gantz broke his most fundamental campaign promise — that he would not join a government led by a prime minister under indictment — and entered a Netanyahu-led coalition. In exchange, he was promised an alternating prime ministership — Netanyahu would go first, and Gantz would get a turn next fall — a check that scarcely anyone in Israel thought Gantz would be able to cash. But if Gantz’s bright political future is now a memory, anti-Netanyahu fervor has only grown, with weekly protests drawing thousands of participants and not just in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, but at bus stops and highway overpasses in far-flung places long seen as Netanyahu territory. “There’s a real restlessness on the part of a significant portion of Likud voters,” said Dahlia Scheindlin, a pollster and strategist. “Before, there was nowhere to go for the runoff of people getting sick of Netanyahu. Now, they really have interesting options.” Saar, who was a top vote-getter in Likud primaries in 2008 and 2012 and mounted a failed primary challenge against Netanyahu a year ago, said in announcing his new party that his old one had devolved into a “cult of personality” and had become a “tool for the personal interests” of the prime minister, “including matters relating to his criminal trial.” Sima Kadmon, a columnist for Yediot, said that many Likud voters have grown weary of Netanyahu and perceive his actions — including pushing for changes to the Israeli legal system — as motivated above all “by his desperate need to evade his trial.” “These traditional Likud followers see the populism and dishonesty that govern Netanyahu’s actions,” Kadmon said. “They are looking for a more civilized government, both in style and in essence. Bennett and Saar provide this alternative.” Challenges from Bennett and Saar would presumably also deprive Netanyahu of a go-to campaign tactic: portraying his opponents as terrorist-coddling leftists. But Saar also brings skills that could be decisive in the crucial postelection negotiations over forming a governing coalition. A longtime Likud whip, Saar was said to have orchestrated a slick parliamentary maneuver on Monday night, in which Likud and Blue and White defectors emerged from hiding — some of them in their cars — at the last minute to vote down a measure buying time for Netanyahu and Gantz to work out a deal to avert, or at least delay, elections. Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, suggested Saar was deft enough even to bring a left-wing party like Meretz into a coalition with him. “He has to do one thing, get Bibi out,” Pfeffer said. “If he gets Bibi out, everything’s possible.” Then again, no one is known to have gotten rich betting against Netanyahu. Tal Shalev, a political writer for Walla News, said she had little difficulty imagining Bennett or Saar ending up as a minister in still another Netanyahu-led government. “If Gantz broke the promise,” she said, “why shouldn’t they?”

Israeli election, take four: conservatives vs. conservatives

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