Opposition Plots Post-Election Plan to Oust Netanyahu

Opposition activists are reportedly formulating a post-election strategy aimed not only at replacing the current government but also at permanently removing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the political arena. The plan, as described by activists to "B'hadrei Haredim," involves forming an initial government that would rely on the support of the Islamist party Ra'am. This government would then prioritize passing legislation to limit the tenure of a prime minister.

According to the scenario, if the election results do not allow centrist opposition parties to form a government independently, they would seek Ra'am's backing. However, this coalition would be a transitional one. The subsequent step would be the swift advancement of a law capping a prime minister's term. If this legislation successfully prevents Netanyahu from running again, the Likud party would be compelled to elect a new leader, facing a critical political decision.

The activists suggest the new Likud leadership would have two options: join a government led by Benny Gantz, becoming a key coalition partner and reducing or eliminating reliance on Ra'am, or remain in opposition, aiming to topple the government and trigger new elections shortly thereafter.

Gantz, according to the activists, sees advantages in both outcomes. If Likud joins, a broad coalition could be formed without depending on Ra'am. If Likud refuses, Gantz would enter new elections as the incumbent prime minister with Netanyahu no longer a candidate, potentially allowing him to argue he fulfilled his commitment to avoid relying on "non-Zionist parties" and seek a stronger mandate.

Within the Likud, the decision would also be complex. After electing a new chairman, the party would likely conduct internal polls to assess its standing without Netanyahu before deciding whether to join the existing government or contest new elections. The plan does not consider the Haredi parties as a viable alternative to Likud due to significant disagreements on the issue of military conscription.

However, the legal feasibility of blocking Netanyahu via a term-limit law is questionable. A similar bill in 2021 explicitly excluded prior terms from being counted. To achieve the activists' goal, a new law would need a different wording, likely sparking considerable legal and political controversy. This remains a hypothetical scenario presented by opposition activists, contingent on election outcomes and the ability to secure legislative majorities.