The Israeli opposition parties want to form a coalition without Netanyahu

In Israel, chances are increasing that a government will be formed for the first time in twelve years without Prime Minister Netanyahu. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who can already count on the left-wing parties, has garnered the support of the right-wing opposition Naftali Bennett, which had previously stood behind Netanyahu.

Together, the parties want to form a minority government, perhaps with support from Arab parliamentarians. Israeli media reported that Lapid and Bennett were rotating premiers.

This means the end of the premiership for the 71-year-old Netanyahu, who has led the country since 2009 and previously between 1996 and 1999. No Israeli politician has been prime minister for a long time. It could also provide a solution to the political turmoil that has gripped the country for more than two years, as Israelis have to vote four times.

At first, there was a dead end because the two largest parties, Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party and Benny Gantz’s central Blue and White party, did not agree to cooperate. In the end, they agreed to form an alliance that quickly disintegrated. Netanyahu again became the largest in last March’s elections, but the right-wing coalition partners who wanted him won very few seats to collectively reach a majority.

Change the coalition

The formation of the government was re-delegated to the president at the beginning of this month. Then Lapid was ordered to form a coalition. His deadline expires on Wednesday.

In a video statement, Bennett said he was “prepared to do everything” to reach an agreement with Lapid. The politician talks about a “coalition for change” that will end Netanyahu’s hegemony. The politician said the only alternative is to call new elections.

The two parties are widely separated on various issues, but are united in their reluctance to cooperate with Netanyahu. The reason for this is the ongoing corruption case against the outgoing Prime Minister. Netanyahu is accused of bribery and bribery. This process can take years.