Name? Benjamin Netanyahu
Westphalian identity? Israeli
Age? 76
Why is he in the news? On July 17, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, approved a motion to dissolve itself ahead of national elections on October 27. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party introduced this measure in May, and his coalition’s lawmakers passed the motion 62-0. In the lead-up to its final session, the Knesset adopted a flurry of divisive legislation.
Why do we care? While Netanyahu’s popularity is in decline, these new laws increase government control over broadcasting while limiting the powers of the Attorney General. To maintain Netanyahu’s coalition, lawmakers temporarily halted the arrest of Haredi individuals for draft evasion. The last of these is a direct appeal to the ultra-Orthodox vote, easing the path to a future coalition with Haredi parties. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s loose coalition leads in recent polling, 59 seats to Netanyahu’s 51, but both lack the 61 seats required to govern.
Why should you care? Dissolving the Knesset is standard procedure to end its current parliamentary term and trigger elections. This cycle has implications for the conflicts in Iran, Lebanon and Gaza, all of which have garnered international attention. However, in practice, the election is unlikely to alter the trajectory of these engagements. The opposition shows little inclination to change the status quo, choosing to criticise the efficiency of military operations rather than their legitimacy. Still, it does serve as a crucial test for Netanyahu.
Who else cares? The supreme leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, is closely observing the upcoming Israeli elections to gauge how hostilities with Iran will evolve. A new incumbent is likely to focus on de-escalating a conflict inherited from Netanyahu’s administration, much to Khamenei’s relief.
Any further comments? Netanyahu faces ongoing corruption trials which were previously delayed because of his status as prime minister. Losing this election would expose him to the full force of the proceedings.
