Path to Netanyahu's Ouster Paved by Law, Analysts Say
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
A bloc of parties opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secured a majority in the recent Israeli elections, paving the way for a potential new government. Gadi Eisenkot is expected to be recommended to form the government, with the Knesset likely to elect a new speaker soon after being sworn in. The new Knesset could pass significant legislation, and the formation of a government requires only a simple majority, suggesting a clear legal path to ending Netanyahu's premiership.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Opposing bloc secured a majority in the 26th Knesset, potentially ending Benjamin Netanyahu's premiership.
- Gadi Eisenkot is expected to be recommended by at least 61 MKs to form the next government.
- The new Knesset can elect a new speaker within days of being sworn in.
- The new government formation requires only a simple majority, not necessarily 61 votes.
- Significant legislation, including the "accused law," could be advanced by the new Knesset.
Following the recent Israeli elections, a bloc of parties opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to hold a parliamentary majority, setting the stage for potential government formation without him. While final results are pending, projections indicate that Netanyahu's bloc secured 50 mandates, while his opponents, including Arab parties, garnered 70 seats in the 26th Knesset. This parliamentary majority, regardless of its exact size, carries significant implications for the political landscape.
The process will begin with consultations at the President's Residence, where at least 61 Knesset members are expected to recommend Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government. Under the Basic Law: Government, three rounds are allowed for government formation before new elections are called. The President has some discretion in the first two rounds, but in the third, a signed request from at least 61 MKs for a specific candidate leaves him no room for maneuver. Even in the first round, a recommendation from 61 MKs for a single candidate dictates the President's likely course of action.
Once the new Knesset is sworn in, likely within two weeks, the opposition bloc, along with Arab parties, can move to elect a new Knesset Speaker, potentially ousting the incumbent, Amir Ohana, within days. This parliamentary control could enable the new Knesset to pass significant legislation, including potentially advancing the "accused law" with retroactive effect, repealing laws related to the Judicial Selection Committee, or even enacting a term limits law for prime ministers.
The formation of a new government requires only a simple majority, not necessarily 61 votes, according to Basic Law: Knesset. If Eisenkot succeeds in forming a government, he will notify the President and the Knesset Speaker. The Knesset would then convene within a week to confirm the new government, which would take office upon receiving a vote of confidence. This legal and formal framework suggests a clear path exists to end the tenure of the current government and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
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