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Small groups of protesters have gathered under the trees in the rose garden. The eyes are fixed on the big screen that, hour after hour, shows the negotiation in a building a few hundred meters away. Since Sunday, Israel’s highest court (HD) has been investigating whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can form a government, even though he will soon face a corruption trial.
The protesters, some with mouth guards with the text “crime minister”, have their clear position.
“I am terrified,” Oron Simon told Haaretz magazine.
– Our democracy and our way of life hang by a fragile thread. We are so close to total chaos as a prime minister clings to his position.
Three options
The political impasse has become commonplace in Israel, which has gone to the polls three times in less than a year without being able to achieve a clear distribution of power. Now Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz have agreed to form a coalition government where they will take over as prime minister for a year and a half each.
Thursday is the deadline to formally present to the government and before that HD is expected to make its decision. If he says no to Netanyahu, it would lead to a fourth election, which would be devastating for Israel, which needs to start working in the government, according to Isabell Schierenbeck, an Israeli scientist and professor of political science at the University of Gothenburg.
“The court is likely to conclude that Netanyahu can form a government,” he told TT.
– On the one hand, the prosecutor has hinted that it would be unfortunate to make another interpretation. And it would also mean greater politicization of HD, which does not necessarily favor the court. There are several right-wing politicians who have tried to limit their power and influence over Israeli democracy.
Strong dissatisfaction
Opposition leader Gantz chose to promise never to form a government with Netanyahu. So when he divided his political party to cooperate with the rival, many of his constituents reacted and allied with anger and mistrust. Both men explained the decision with the need for a functioning government to deal with the crown pandemic.
– Coalition governments are among the commons in Israel. But what’s more unusual is a government party with a leader who is on trial, says Schierenbeck.
– There is also strong opposition, especially on the left and central edges, but also in some parts of the right that oppose a coalition with Netanyahu. That is what led to three elections and is very clearly linked to a single political leader.
Soon in court
The government’s solution with Benny Gantz signifies a fifth term for Netanyahu, who is a record in Israeli politics. Although the trial, which is scheduled for May 24, is approaching like a dark cloud on the horizon, the Likud leader, 70, has made progress in the crisis.
– There has never been a politician in Israel who has been as successful as Netanyahu. He is a very intelligent politician and expert rhetoric, characterized by his ability to benefit from crises, such as the crown pandemic, says Schierenbeck.
– But many judges believe that the trial will lead to prison. And in any case, he cannot remain prime minister. But he can come back after the punishment, even though he’s getting quite old now.
Sofia Eriksson / TT
HD negotiations are shown on a big screen near the Jerusalem court. Image: Tsafrir Abayov / AP / TT
Eleven judges with mouth guards will decide whether Benjamin Netanyahu will be able to form a government despite being brought to justice for corruption. Image: Abir Sultan / AP / TT
Supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have gathered outside the Jerusalem Supreme Court in recent days to show their support. Image: Tsafrir Abayov / AP / TT
April 9, 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister since 2009, hopes to be reelected. There will be a smooth race between his forehand Likud and his opponent Benny Gantz and his blue and white mid-orientation alliance. Attempts to form a government are unsuccessful. It is a setback for Netanyahu who hoped he could form a government and start working to pass a series of laws that would prevent prosecution for corruption.
September 17, 2019 – New elections are held. Again, it is even between the blocks led by Netanyahu and Gantz. The blue-white alliance wins the most seats, but neither Gantz nor Netanyahu can muster the 61 seats needed for a majority in the kingdom. Attempts to form a government again fail.
November 21, 2019: Prosecutor Avichai Mandelblit announces that he will prosecute Netanyahu on suspicion of bribery, fraud, and infidelity against the director. It is the first time in Israel’s history that a sitting Prime Minister has been prosecuted.
March 2, 2020: Israel celebrates its third parliamentary election in a year. Likud will be the largest party, but a small majority in Parliament is behind Gantz. Gantz has 28 days to form a government.
March 26, 2020: Gantz is elected Speaker of Parliament and opens up in light of the crown pandemic to join a unity government with Netanyahu. The cow’s turn breaks the Blue and White alliance.
April 20, 2020: Gantz and Netanyahu agree to form a crisis government. Netanyahu continues, despite being charged, as prime minister for a year and a half, then Gantz will replace him.
Source: Country Guide / UI
