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Netanyahu seeks broad national government as rivals push back
17 days ago•Source: The Jerusalem Post
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Israel Coalition Clears First Hurdle to Dissolve Knesset Amid Haredi Draft Crisis
The coalition’s bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its preliminary reading in the Knesset plenum with 110 votes in favor, beginning a process to move the election date forward from October 27. It will go to the House Committee for debate and must clear three readings to take effect, amid a rift with ultra-Orthodox parties over the haredi draft bill. The opposition has its own dissolution bills, and even if elections are moved, August is impossible due to a 90-day rule, leaving September or mid-October as likely dates. The piece also notes ongoing debates over the draft bill and related political tensions, alongside concerns about IDF manpower.
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Coalition pushes to dissolve Knesset, elections could come sooner
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Ultra-Orthodox Leader Pushes for Early Elections Over Draft Bill
The Jerusalem Post•2 months ago
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Bennett launches Israeli Renaissance plan to topple Netanyahu with one-million-olim push
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett announced an alliance with Yair Lapid to unite the opposition against Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiling an "Israeli Renaissance" plan to bring one million olim to Israel over the next decade, form the Together list with a broad center-right bloc, and pursue day-one reforms (eight-year PM limit, seven ministries cut) plus flagship programs to integrate the ultra-Orthodox, improve education, reduce crime, enhance transportation, and bolster Israel’s global standing, aiming for a large majority in the next elections.
Together party's 27-seat showing falls short of delivering anti-Netanyahu breakthrough
A Walla-published poll shows Bennett and Lapid’s Together party would win 27 seats today, four fewer than Bennett+Lapid previously, while Likud would have 28 and the opposition bloc 59 seats—still short of a 61-seat majority. Netanyahu’s coalition would hold 51 seats, with Arab parties at 10. The result suggests the merger creates a larger party but not a larger anti-Netanyahu bloc; Eisenkot’s potential entry could boost the merged list to about 41 seats, though not enough to flip the balance without Arab party alignment. The poll surveyed 500 people with a 4.4% margin of error.
IDF Manpower Shortage Triggers Security Alarm, Zamir Warns of Collapse
Israel’s Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir warned at a security cabinet meeting that the IDF could collapse if manpower shortages aren’t addressed, saying he’s raising 10 red flags. The report notes Israel would still need more soldiers in peacetime to guard borders in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, and highlights the lack of a law to significantly boost ultra-Orthodox (haredi) conscription, fueling political backlash and calls to expand the IDF ranks from opposition parties and security figures.
Knesset moves 2026 budget forward amid haredi draft showdown
The Knesset advanced the 2026 state budget in its first reading after days of coalition wrangling with ultra-Orthodox parties over the haredi draft law, with a 62-55 vote. Degel Hatorah backed the budget on condition the draft bill passes before the next readings, while Agudat Yisrael opposed. The package includes a large expenditure framework and a raised deficit ceiling, and if all three readings aren’t completed by end-March, the Knesset would dissolve and elections would be called. Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the budget as strengthening security and the economy, while the opposition criticized the concessions to the haredi parties.
Shas Rabbis Exit Netanyahu's Government, Leaving Him in Minority
Shas's spiritual leadership decided to quit Prime Minister Netanyahu's government but will not support no-confidence motions, following the resignation of UTJ members over failed negotiations on a bill to regulate Haredi military service, amid internal disputes and political tensions.
"Netanyahu's PR Tactics Amid Israel's Political Turmoil"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering dissolving the Knesset and calling for new elections to navigate political crises, including conflicts with far-right partners and an impending court decision on drafting ultra-Orthodox Israelis, while also seeking to advance a deal with Hamas.