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Is Israel Headed to 4th Elections? Briefing

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Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute on today’s preliminary vote to disperse the Knesset: "Today's vote served as the opening shot in the 'blame game' with both Gantz and Netanyahu seeking to frame the other side as dragging the country towards a fourth elections as COVID numbers begin to rise again."

"Today's vote served as the opening shot in the 'blame game' with both Gantz and Netanyahu seeking to frame the other side as dragging the country towards a fourth elections as COVID numbers begin to rise again. With vaccines months away, and almost a million Israelis still without work, whoever is seen as to blame for this irresponsible political maneuvering may very well pay the price at the ballot box."

"In reality, each side voted against their real interests. Netanyahu voted against the dispersal, even though he is eager for an election that he believes will eventually lead to a right-wing coalition that will better serve his personal interests. Gantz voted for the dispersal, though the most recent polls make clear that he perhaps has the most to lose from a new election."

"Israel's two-year long ongoing political crisis is expected to continue as long as a government cannot be formed without Netanyahu, while at the same time he remains focused on the personal predicaments presented by his trial."

"While this vote is significant, but it's not necessarily the final act for this government. It is the December 23rd budget deadline that remains the more significant date that will determine the political futures of the members of this government."

"If the past six months have seen the government's work grind to a halt as it was plagued by stalemate, new elections in the midst of the pandemic is sure to lead to a complete paralysis."

"We know that Israelis already view many of the government decisions related to its efforts to combat the COVID crisis as suspiciously influenced by political maneuvering. This is sure to worsen as both the Likud and Blue and White ministers remain as rivals within the same cabinet with each side pandering to their political base with an eye towards the election."