In a significant political development, the centrist National Unity Party in Israel, led by war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, has officially proposed a bill to dissolve the 25th Knesset, signaling a push for early elections. This move comes amid escalating tensions within the Israeli government and is seen as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.

Proposal to Dissolve the Knesset

On Thursday, May 30, Pnina Tamano-Shata, a member of Knesset (MK) from the National Unity Party, submitted the dissolution bill. This action aligns with Benny Gantz’s strategy to advance the election timeline to a date before October, marking a year since significant internal conflicts. The party stated, “This follows the request of party leader Minister Benny Gantz to move forward in broad agreement to an election before October, a year since the massacre.”

Netanyahu’s Government Under Pressure

The submission of this bill is perceived as an attempt to topple Netanyahu’s current government. The National Unity Party, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of various national issues, particularly the management of the Gaza Strip post-conflict, sees this move as necessary to bring about political change and better national management.

Likud Party’s Response

In response, Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party has criticized the proposed dissolution, arguing that it would serve as a “reward for (Hamas Gaza leader Yahya) Sinwar, a capitulation to international pressure and a fatal blow to efforts to free our hostages.” Likud maintains that an early election could potentially disrupt ongoing efforts against Hamas and affect national security adversely.

Gantz’s Ultimatum and Strategic Goals

Earlier, Gantz had issued an ultimatum to Netanyahu, demanding a comprehensive post-war plan for the Gaza Strip by June 8, emphasizing six key strategic goals:

1. Bringing home the hostages.

2. Destroying Hamas.

3. Creating an international civilian governance mechanism for Gaza, excluding P.A. leader Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas.

4. Advancing normalization with Saudi Arabia.

5. Establishing a new framework for Israeli military service.

6. Demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and establishing Israeli security control, along with rehabilitating the northern residents and the western Negev.

Election Forecasts and Political Climate

Originally, the national elections were not scheduled until the final quarter of 2026. However, with the current government’s stability in question and critical issues such as the management of Gaza post-war and the normalization of relations with neighboring countries on the line, the push for an earlier election date has gained momentum. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has also voiced concerns about Netanyahu’s leadership, particularly regarding the potential reoccupation of Gaza.

This political maneuver by Gantz and his party reflects a deepening rift within Israeli politics, setting the stage for a potentially transformative election should the bill to dissolve the Knesset pass.

  Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Israel, Israeli elections, Israeli politics, Knesset dissolution