2019–20 Israeli political crisis

Israeli government formation, April–May 2019

15 April–30 May 2019

Nominee Benjamin Netanyahu Benny Gantz Party Likud Blue and White Electoral vote 65 45

Prime Minister before election Benjamin Netanyahu Likud Outcome of Formation No government formed and fresh elections called. Netanyahu remains PM in interim

The crisis began after the April 2019 election. The leader of the Blue and White faction, Benny Gantz, conceded the election, paving the way for incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to start talks with other parties to form a governing coalition.[8] On 15 and 16 April, leaders of all the parties who won seats in the Knesset met with President Reuven Rivlin to recommend a designated person to form a government. Netanyahu received recommendations from leaders representing 65 seats in the Knesset, whereas Gantz received recommendations from leaders representing only 45 seats in the Knesset. Leaders of the two Arab parties, representing 10 seats in the Knesset, declined to make any recommendation.[9][10]

Based on the recommendations he received, Rivlin designated Netanyahu to form the next governing coalition.[14]

After a month of negotiations, Netanyahu's failure to form a government led to a 74 to 45 vote in the Knesset in favour of dispersing just after midnight on 29 May 2019. The new election was scheduled for 17 September 2019.[15]

Israeli government formation, September 2019

22 September 2019

Nominee Benjamin Netanyahu Benny Gantz Party Likud Blue and White Electoral vote 55 54

Prime Minister before election Benjamin Netanyahu Likud Outcome of Formation No government formed and fresh elections called. Netanyahu remains PM in interim

The do-over election did not provide a clear view of the next government, as none could be formed without at least one party or leader reneging on their campaign promises on who should be prime minister, or on the religious-secular issue. Some mentioned the possibility of a third election.[16][17] The day before the election, Benny Gantz called President Reuven Rivlin to try to avoid a third election at all costs, after Benjamin Netanyahu had refused to rule them out.[18]

On election night, Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu called for a "broad liberal government" that includes both Blue and White and Likud, and reiterated that he did not want to form any majority with the Arab parties. Benny Gantz claimed Prime ministership and Blue and White repeated that they would not form a government with Netanyahu, although they were open to one with Likud. Benyamin Netanyahu called for a "strong Zionist government".[19] On the left, Labor-Gesher stated it wanted to bring Arab parties "to the table", some of which are open to recommending Gantz.[19]

On 18 September, Netanyahu met with the emissaries of Yamina, Shas, and UTJ, to build a right-wing bloc to negotiate together.[20]

On 19 September, Rivlin, Netanyahu and Gantz met during a memorial ceremony for Shimon Peres. Netanyahu urged Gantz to speak with him about forming a unity government, for the sake of avoiding a third election.[19] Speaking for Blue and White, Gantz and Lapid both rejected Netanyahu's offer, saying Blue and White had won, and that Gantz had the right to lead a unity government committed to liberal policies on social issues, and thus refusing to discuss forming such a government with Netanyahu as long as right-wing religious parties were included. Lapid remarked that "if Netanyahu steps aside, we'll have a unity government".[21][22] Lieberman likewise accused Netanyahu of "deception" by offering a unity government, but conditioning it on the inclusion of religious parties.[23]

The same day, Gantz met with Horowitz. His aides said they expect a meeting with other party leaders, Odeh and Peretz. Labor-Gesher's six MKs could allow Netanyahu's bloc of 55 to find a majority. Likud thus reportedly offered Peretz the Finance portfolio, and a raise of the minimum wage, but the same sources say Peretz turned down the offer, which goes against a campaign vow. Netanyahu met with Degel HaTorah MKs, who, along with other Haredi parties (Shas, Agudat Yisrael), are starting to backtrack on their refusal not to govern with Lapid, in the case Lapid himself U-turns on Netanyahu. Lieberman was equivocal as to whether he would support Gantz, fearing to be sidelined from a unity government, or one that includes Haredim. According to Channel 13, Gantz reportedly promised to include Yisrael Beiteinu in any coalition.[24]

Israeli government formation, March–April 2020

March-April 2020

Nominee Benny Gantz Benjamin Netanyahu Party Blue and White Likud Electoral vote 61 58

Prime Minister before election Benjamin Netanyahu Likud Outcome of Formation TBD

On 8 March 2020, Lieberman gave Gantz his backing to form a new government.[47] The next day, the Joint List agreed to work with Gantz and Lieberman to oust Netanyahu.[48] Orly Levy announced on 10 March that she would not support a minority government and had left the Labor–Gesher–Meretz alliance. Blue and White MKs Zvi Hauser and Yoaz Hendel had previously stated that they would not support a government that relied on the Joint List's support.[49] An aide to Gantz also stated that he plans to form a government by 23 March.[50] Lieberman and Labor party leader Amir Peretz also reaffirmed on 11 March that an alliance with the Joint List would not change their party's position on forming a political alliance with Gantz.[51] The elected MKs were sworn in on 16 March 2020.[52] On March 15, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin announced that he had asked Gantz to form the new government after Gantz received support from 61 of the 120 MKs.[53]

Prior to the election, Gantz vowed to form a government that would not include Netanyahu.[54] However, after the election and with the outbreak of the 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic, Gantz reversed his stance and announced he was willing to support an emergency coalition with Netanyahu.[55] On 21 March, Netanyahu announced negotiations were completed for a national unity government with a rotating prime ministership where Netanyahu served first, to later be replaced by Gantz, though Gantz denied this and claimed negotiations were still ongoing.[56]

The Likud and Blue and White agreed on an equal unity government on 20 April 2020, which includes a "rotation agreement" between Gantz and Netanyahu of the premiership.[57]

• 2019–20 Israeli constitutional crisis