Israel Heads Into Unknown as Netanyahu’s Election Gamble Fails
- At this point, neither PM nor rival can easily form government
- Political horsetrading can last weeks, extending paralysis
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Benjamin Netanyahu’s gamble to hold elections for a second time this year backfired, as a deadlocked result left Israel convulsed by a new wave of political turmoil.
The inconclusive race against his centrist rival, former military chief Benny Gantz, dealt a tough blow to Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. At best, he’ll return to office badly weakened at a time when Israel’s diplomatic and security challenges are mounting and the Trump administration prepares to present its Middle East peace plan. At worst, he’ll be forced from power and rendered more vulnerable to prosecution on the corruption charges that have dogged him in recent years.