Faced with the risk of a disorderly collapse, Israel’s governing coalition took the initiative of the movements. The right-wing Likud party has formally tabled a proposal to dissolve parliament, a move signed by the leaders of all six majority parliamentary groups.
Under the draft legislation, the 25th Knesset would be dissolved early, with elections scheduled 90 days after the law is passed. The crucial vote is expected on May 20, which means Israelis will go to the polls in the third decade of August – two months earlier than the scheduled end of the term in October.
The “thorn” of the ultra-Orthodox and military service
The decision to go to the polls early did not come in a vacuum. Benjamin Netanyahu found himself “with his back against the wall” due to intense pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties. The reason? Breaking the promise to pass a law that would permanently exempt religious seminary (Yeshiva) students from mandatory military service.
By filing his own dissolution bill, Netanyahu preempted the opposition, taking control of the election schedule himself and avoiding a humiliating defeat in parliament.
The “Together” front: Lapid and Bennett join forces
The opposition, however, looks more united than ever. Yair Lapid (Yes Atid) and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced the Beyahad (Together) alliance, running on a joint ballot.
“We are ready together,” Lapid said, taking aim at Netanyahu over his handling of the post-Oct. 7 war and relations with Iran.
Central pillars of their campaign will be:
- The establishment of a national commission of inquiry into the October 7 security failures.
- The enactment of legislation for the conscription of ultra-orthodox Jews.
The political “Phoenix” and the opinion polls
At 76 years old, and having recently recovered from surgery, Benjamin Netanyahu declares himself present for another term. Despite its corruption trial and criticism of security gaps, opinion polls show Likud maintaining a narrow lead.
According to a Kan network survey, Likud gathers 26 seats against 25 of the Lapid-Bennet alliance. However, the political landscape remains highly fragmented, making government formation an intractable equation for the day ahead.
With the goal of “total victory” in Gaza and Lebanon still pending after two and a half years of conflict, August’s election battle is expected to be the most critical in the history of modern Israel.
