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Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem was automatically dissolved at midnight (local time) on Tuesday. Previously, the deadline for a 2020 budget agreement had expired. The coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz was unable to reach an agreement on the budget dispute. Israeli citizens now have to vote for the fourth time in two years. The new election is scheduled for March 23.
Even before the Knesset was dissolved, discussions began on Tuesday about how new elections can be held safely during the Corona crisis. It was about the question of how those affected by the crown can cast their votes.
In the grand coalition between Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party and the Blau-Weiß von Gantz center alliance, there were many problems from the beginning, and tensions have recently escalated.
The coalition agreement stipulates that the government will adopt a budget for 2020 and 2021. Netanyahu had withdrawn this commitment and only wanted a budget for 2020. The head of government himself cited the extraordinary circumstances of the crown crisis as the reason. However, critics assume that, among other things, he wanted to prevent Gantz from taking over as head of government in the fall of 2021, as agreed.
To avoid a serious economic crisis in the next year, the government approved on Tuesday a financial plan as an alternative to the regular budget.
A corruption trial is underway against Netanyahu. Gantz has accused the 71-year-old man of wanting to do everything he can to avoid conviction.
The Gantz alliance has now collapsed. In the event of a new election, the Blue and Whites must even fear if they will achieve the 3.25 percent hurdle. After a new election, Netanyahu has to face problems to re-form a government. According to polls, the field on the right is stronger than ever. However, it is fragmented between different parties, whose presidents are all seen as bitter rivals of Netanyahu who want to become heads of government themselves. (apa, dpa)
