Israel: Gantz’s Party Wants to Dissolve Knesset

Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition may split. Minister Benny Gantz’s National Unity Party wants to dissolve the Knesset, Israel’s unicameral parliament, and call new elections.

The proposal for a law to dissolve the Knesset and call elections within one year from October 7, 2023, the date of the Hamas attack followed by the ongoing invasion of Gaza, was submitted by MP Pnino Tamano-Shata, president of the party led by Gantz, indicating a clear split in the current coalition supporting Netanyahu.

However, the party does not have enough votes to pass the law, and according to what Haaretz explains, it will probably not bring the bill to a vote until it is sure it will have a guaranteed majority, given that laws, once rejected, cannot be voted on again for the next six months.

“October 7 was a catastrophe that requires us to regain the trust of the people and to establish a broad and stable unity government that can confidently lead in the face of the enormous challenges to Israel’s security, economy, and society,” commented Tamano-Shata.

The move by the National Unity Party clearly displeased Likud, Netanyahu’s party, which commented: “The collapse of the unity government is a reward for Sinwar, capitulation to international pressure, and a death blow to efforts to free our hostages. In the midst of war, Israel needs unity, not division.”