On Thursday, Benny Gantz and the National Union Party submitted a bill to dissolve parliament and call for early elections. This decision came after Gantz requested a broad agreement to hold elections before October, which was rejected by Likud. The move was criticized by Likud as a reward for Hamas and a setback to efforts to free hostages.
The National Union Party joined Netanyahu’s government following the major attack by Hamas on Israeli territory in October 2018, which led to the war in the Gaza Strip. Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, both former army chiefs, have been part of the war cabinet ever since. The next scheduled legislative elections are set for October 2026.
In May 2019, Benny Gantz issued an ultimatum to Benjamin Netanyahu, giving him three weeks to adopt a strategic action plan regarding post-war efforts in Gaza. If no plan was formulated and approved by June 8, Gantz threatened to resign. This created tensions within the government and raised concerns about the future leadership in Israel.
The dissolution of parliament and early elections could bring about significant changes in leadership and policy direction in Israel. With tensions running high among parties and leaders, strategic moves could have long-lasting implications for the country’s future.
