Key facts
- Benjamin Netanyahu aims to form a broad national government, not exclusively right-wing or dependent on Arab parties.
- Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have reunited their political alliance to challenge Netanyahu.
- Netanyahu's coalition has taken a preliminary step toward dissolving parliament and holding new elections.
- Polls suggest Netanyahu's current coalition may face electoral difficulties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated his intention to form a broad national government following the next election, signaling a potential shift away from his current far-right allies. In a televised briefing, Netanyahu declared, "I intend to establish a broad national government, not a right-wing government, not a left-wing government that depends on Arab parties, but a broad national government." This statement comes as his government, which has relied on far-right ministers supporting settlement expansion and military escalation, faces upcoming elections that must occur by October 27.
Meanwhile, former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced the revival of their political alliance, aiming to unseat Netanyahu. Their previous coalition, formed in 2021, ended Netanyahu's 12-year tenure but ultimately collapsed in 2022 due to internal disagreements and defections. Polls suggest their new bloc might not surpass Netanyahu's Likud Party in seat count. The Bennett-Lapid government previously included a diverse range of parties, including one representing Palestinian citizens of Israel, though Bennett has indicated a preference for "Zionist" parties in future coalitions.
In parallel, Netanyahu's coalition has taken a preliminary step toward new elections by submitting a bill to dissolve parliament. While the coalition's term is nearing its end, some ultra-Orthodox partners have suggested moving the vote to early September. The proposed bill allows Netanyahu flexibility in setting the election date, aiming for a time when he believes he has the best chance of success, amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Opinion polls indicate that the current religious and nationalist coalition may struggle to secure reelection.