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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined the core principles for a proposed unity government, signalling an effort to build broader political consensus amid mounting domestic and regional challenges. The move comes at a critical moment for Israel's political future.

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu sets out core principles for a unity government

In what has been described as one of the most detailed assessments yet, Israel’s central bank in the latest outlook of the country’s economy published on Monday (Nov 27) laid out the economic implications of the war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, reported Bloomberg. The war is reportedly set to cost the country over $50 billion.&nbsp;

The Bank of Israel in its outlook has also lowered the country’s economic growth projections by 0.3 per cent and 0.8 per cent for 2023 and 2024, respectively.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Gross effect’</h2>

A report by Bloomberg citing an updated outlook from the bank’s research department said that the war’s “gross effect” on Israel will be as high as $53 billion (198 billion shekels), with more than half of it being spent on defence.&nbsp;

Multiple reports over the past month or so by different entities have also estimated the war’s fiscal price tag around $50 billion.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-will-happen-to-you-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwar-met-israeli-hostages-in-a-tunnel-663684">'Nothing will happen to you,' Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar met Israeli hostages in a tunnel</a>

A report by Tel Aviv-based investment banking and financial advisory firm, Leader Capital Markets, said that the war would cost an estimated 180 billion shekels ($48.5 billion) in 2023-24.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Israeli finance ministry, as per Bloomberg, reported that the war is costing the economy close to $270 million every day.

Separately, the Calcalist financial newspaper citing preliminary finance ministry figures, earlier this month, said that the war will cost Israel $51 billion. The estimate, which equals up to 10 per cent of the country’s GDP, was premised on the war lasting between eight to 12 months.&nbsp;

<h2>Growth forecast reduced, no change in key rate</h2>

Bank of Israel’s in-house research team also lowered the country’s economic growth projections for this and the next year and now expects the gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by two per cent as opposed to the previous estimates of 2.3 per cent in 2023 and 2.8 per cent in 2024.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-and-qatar-successfully-mediate-two-day-extension-of-truce-between-israel-and-hamas-663513">Egypt and Qatar successfully mediate two-day extension of truce between Israel and Hamas</a>

Meanwhile, the monetary committee left its key rate at 4.75 per cent, in line with the latest forecasts. The announcement on Monday has also been attributed as the cause of the shekel trading stronger against the dollar.&nbsp;

<h2>What does the govt plan on doing?</h2>

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the government was readying an economic aid package for those affected by Palestinian attacks that will be “bigger and broader” than during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

While the Israeli government is still in the midst of hammering out the new budget, Governor Amir Yaron, speaking about the decision, warned about the fiscal ramifications of the war which the country would have to endure for at least a medium-term and urged caution.

“Alongside the need to provide a budgetary response to needs created by the war, in emergency times as well there is considerable importance to maintaining a responsible fiscal framework,” said Yaron, as quoted by Bloomberg.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-33-palestinian-prisoners-in-exchange-of-11-hostages-after-extension-of-truce-663590">&nbsp;Israel frees 33 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 11 hostages after extension of truce</a>

He added, “It is important that the government cut new expenditures of a prolonged nature.”&nbsp;

The central bank officials have also reportedly criticised the ruling government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reluctance to scrap expenditure on religious programmes and West Bank settlements given they are already under pressure to raise funds to finance the war effort.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what has been described as one of the most detailed assessments yet, Israel’s central bank in the latest outlook of the country’s economy published on Monday (Nov 27) laid out the economic implications of the war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, reported Bloomberg.

In what has been described as one of the most detailed assessments yet, Israel’s central bank in the latest outlook of the country’s economy published on Monday (Nov 27) laid out the economic implications of the war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, reported Bloomberg. The war is reportedly set to cost the country over $50 billion. The Bank of Israel in its outlook has also lowered the country’s economic growth projections by 0.3 per cent and 0.8 per cent for 2023 and 2024, respectively. ‘Gross effect’ A report by Bloomberg citing an updated outlook from the bank’s research department said that the war’s “gross effect” on Israel will be as high as $53 billion (198 billion shekels), with more than half of it being spent on defence. Multiple reports over the past month or so by different entities have also estimated the war’s fiscal price tag around $50 billion. ALSO READ | 'Nothing will happen to you,' Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar met Israeli hostages in a tunnel A report by Tel Aviv-based investment banking and financial advisory firm, Leader Capital Markets, said that the war would cost an estimated 180 billion shekels ($48.5 billion) in 2023-24. Meanwhile, the Israeli finance ministry, as per Bloomberg, reported that the war is costing the economy close to $270 million every day. Separately, the Calcalist financial newspaper citing preliminary finance ministry figures, earlier this month, said that the war will cost Israel $51 billion. The estimate, which equals up to 10 per cent of the country’s GDP, was premised on the war lasting between eight to 12 months. Growth forecast reduced, no change in key rate Bank of Israel’s in-house research team also lowered the country’s economic growth projections for this and the next year and now expects the gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by two per cent as opposed to the previous estimates of 2.3 per cent in 2023 and 2.8 per cent in 2024. ALSO READ | Egypt and Qatar successfully mediate two-day extension of truce between Israel and Hamas Meanwhile, the monetary committee left its key rate at 4.75 per cent, in line with the latest forecasts. The announcement on Monday has also been attributed as the cause of the shekel trading stronger against the dollar. What does the govt plan on doing? Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the government was readying an economic aid package for those affected by Palestinian attacks that will be “bigger and broader” than during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Israeli government is still in the midst of hammering out the new budget, Governor Amir Yaron, speaking about the decision, warned about the fiscal ramifications of the war which the country would have to endure for at least a medium-term and urged caution. “Alongside the need to provide a budgetary response to needs created by the war, in emergency times as well there is considerable importance to maintaining a responsible fiscal framework,” said Yaron, as quoted by Bloomberg. ALSO READ | Israel frees 33 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 11 hostages after extension of truce He added, “It is important that the government cut new expenditures of a prolonged nature.” The central bank officials have also reportedly criticised the ruling government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reluctance to scrap expenditure on religious programmes and West Bank settlements given they are already under pressure to raise funds to finance the war effort. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war to cost Tel Aviv more than $50 billion, says Israeli central bank

A couple of weeks after forming the most right-wing government in the history of Israel, the Benjamin Netanyahu government has focused its attention on revamp of the 'judiciary'.

A couple of weeks after forming the most right-wing government in the history of Israel, the Benjamin Netanyahu government has focused its attention on revamp of the 'judiciary'. Justice Minister Yair Levin on Wednesday presented the 'judicial overhaul package' aimed at neutering the judicial system of the country, according to the detractors. “I’ve warned against the damage caused by judicialisation. Now, the time has come to act," said Levin while presenting the overhaul package. Under the revamp programme, the country's parliament, also called Knesset will be given powers to override Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority of 61 votes. WATCH | Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu unveils his right-wing government's policy priorities × Calling the legislation 'balanced', Levin enlisted another rule that will forbid the court from using a test of reasonableness to judge the decisions taken by the government. Moreover, the panel that chooses the judges will be reformed and politicians will have an enhanced say in the selection. Currently, a nine-member panel chooses the judges which has three members of the government. However, if Levin's overhaul gets the nod, two representatives chosen by him i.e the justice minister will also sit on the panel. Effectively the government will have the majority of five against four in the committee. Lastly, the ministers will be able to appoint their own legal advisers under the new plan. Before signing off, Levin added that the package will be debated in the 120-seat Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the overhaul of the judiciary saying the new legislation will create a balance between the courts, government and the parliament. “We will revise the way we govern. We’ll take steps that strengthen personal security throughout the state. We’ll start by enacting reforms that will ensure the proper balance between the three branches of government.” Read more: Benjamin Netanyahu forms most right-wing coalition govt in Israel's history The critics of the plan argue that by passing the said legislation, the Netanyahu government will be undermining democracy in the country. The believe that power will reside in the hands of the most unilateral coalition in the history of the country without any checks and balances in place. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel government lays out sweeping court reform plan, setting up showdown with the judiciary

Israel's Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu leading the country's most right-wing government ever pledged on to press ahead with policies that have irked critics at home and abroad. One such policy is to overhaul the country's judicial system which can potentially weaken the Supreme Court.

Israel government's controversial court reforms spark backlash

Benjamin Netanyahu makes an announcement on Twitter that he has succeeded in forming a new government in Israel after a tough negotiation with religious and far-right coalition partners. It will be the most right-wing coalition in Israel's history.

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu forms new coalition government

Israel's Parliament has now finally returned from its break to start the summer session. This comes as the ruling government continues to fight for its survival after losing its majority during the session break

Israel Political Crisis: Bennett-Lapid Govt under pressure

As Israeli PM Naftali Bennett tries to hold his coalition government together, Jeremy Saltan, political advisor to the prime minister while speaking exclusively to WION said coalition partner Idit Silman may stay in the government and not vote against the government.

"We did see Idit Silman show not to vote against the coalition in the very crucial house rules committee votes just last week," Saltan said.

"I think she understands she is in a very delicate place in terms of her own political future, so I am not sure she will be voting against the coalition," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-meets-mansour-abbas-for-first-time-since-suspension-of-coalition-government-475750">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-meets-mansour-abbas-for-first-time-since-suspension-of-coalition-government-475750" hreflang="en">PM Naftali Bennett meets Islamist party leader for first time since suspension of coalition government</a>

On the question of Raam party rejoining the coalition and if Hamas calls for unrest again whether the party will leave the coalition again, Saltan said there is no connection between the two sides when it comes to the issue of the Israeli government.

"I feel very confident, if it is necessary to go ahead and do anything in Gaza, then we will be able to do so without worrying about the stability of the coalition," Saltan added.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel demands an apology from Russia over Lavrov's Hitler comments

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-demands-apology-for-russian-fm-claims-hitler-had-jewish-blood-476082/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the issue of PM Bennett and foreign minister Yair Lipid's differences on the Ukraine war and the Palestinian issue,&nbsp;Saltan said there is unity between the two leaders including the coalition partners over Ukraine.&nbsp;

However, he agreed that there is disagreement over the Palestinian issue as the coalition partners have "different ideas on what is supposed to happen there that's why there has been no diplomatic process in the first 11 months of this government."

Watch WION LIVE Here

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As Israeli PM Naftali Bennett tries to hold his coalition government together, Jeremy Saltan, political advisor to the prime minister while speaking exclusively to WION said coalition partner Idit Silman may stay in the government and not vote against the government.

As Israeli PM Naftali Bennett tries to hold his coalition government together, Jeremy Saltan, political advisor to the prime minister while speaking exclusively to WION said coalition partner Idit Silman may stay in the government and not vote against the government. "We did see Idit Silman show not to vote against the coalition in the very crucial house rules committee votes just last week," Saltan said. "I think she understands she is in a very delicate place in terms of her own political future, so I am not sure she will be voting against the coalition," he added. Also Read: PM Naftali Bennett meets Islamist party leader for first time since suspension of coalition government On the question of Raam party rejoining the coalition and if Hamas calls for unrest again whether the party will leave the coalition again, Saltan said there is no connection between the two sides when it comes to the issue of the Israeli government. "I feel very confident, if it is necessary to go ahead and do anything in Gaza, then we will be able to do so without worrying about the stability of the coalition," Saltan added. Watch: Israel demands an apology from Russia over Lavrov's Hitler comments On the issue of PM Bennett and foreign minister Yair Lipid's differences on the Ukraine war and the Palestinian issue, Saltan said there is unity between the two leaders including the coalition partners over Ukraine. However, he agreed that there is disagreement over the Palestinian issue as the coalition partners have "different ideas on what is supposed to happen there that's why there has been no diplomatic process in the first 11 months of this government." Watch WION LIVE Here

Idit Silman in a delicate political position, says PM Bennett's political advisor to WION

After Netanyahu, Gantz fails to form government in Israel. Lawmakers now have 21 days to nominate a candidate.

Gantz fails to form new Israeli government

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will on Wednesday task centrist politician Benny Gantz with trying to form the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-suffers-defeat-in-failing-to-form-israeli-government-257515">next coalition government</a> after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed, Rivlin's office said on Tuesday.

Netanyahu, a fourth-term conservative whose party tied with Gantz's in a September election, told Rivlin on Monday (October 21) that he was giving up on forming the government after failing to win support from a majority of parliament.

For the first time in a decade, someone other than Netanyahu will be asked to form a government in Israel.

The 70-year-old prime minister has called two elections this year, has twice been given the chance by the president to put together a ruling coalition and has twice failed.

Rivlin will on Wednesday turn to Gantz, leaving Netanyahu even more vulnerable in his fight for political survival.

But although he has failed, Gantz - a former general and political novice - also has no clear path to success.

Gantz's Blue and White party said in a statement it was "determined to form a liberal unity government."

Netanyahu, in power for the past decade and 13 years in total, has seen his political strength wane as he faces a looming indictment on corruption allegations he denies. Gantz, a former military chief, has pledged not to serve in a government under a premier facing criminal charges.

Likud placed second in the September ballot with 32 seats in the 120-member parliament, behind 33 for Blue and White.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will on Wednesday task centrist politician Benny Gantz with trying to form the next coalition government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed, Rivlin's office said on Tuesday.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will on Wednesday task centrist politician Benny Gantz with trying to form the next coalition government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed, Rivlin's office said on Tuesday. Netanyahu, a fourth-term conservative whose party tied with Gantz's in a September election, told Rivlin on Monday (October 21) that he was giving up on forming the government after failing to win support from a majority of parliament. For the first time in a decade, someone other than Netanyahu will be asked to form a government in Israel. The 70-year-old prime minister has called two elections this year, has twice been given the chance by the president to put together a ruling coalition and has twice failed. Rivlin will on Wednesday turn to Gantz, leaving Netanyahu even more vulnerable in his fight for political survival. But although he has failed, Gantz - a former general and political novice - also has no clear path to success. Gantz's Blue and White party said in a statement it was "determined to form a liberal unity government." Netanyahu, in power for the past decade and 13 years in total, has seen his political strength wane as he faces a looming indictment on corruption allegations he denies. Gantz, a former military chief, has pledged not to serve in a government under a premier facing criminal charges. Likud placed second in the September ballot with 32 seats in the 120-member parliament, behind 33 for Blue and White.

Netanyahu rival Gantz to be named to try to form next Israeli government

More Than 600 Hamas Rockets Rained On Israel Over The Weekend As Tit-For-Tat Fighting Continues Between Israel & Palestine. Palki sums up the latest bout of deadly violence that rocket Israel and Gaza. Is Iran behind the Gaza escalation? Here's a detailed summary

Israel & Palestine reach an uneasy truce after yet another bout of deadly violence