National Unity leader Benny Gantz responded to the announcement made by MK Gideon Sa'ar on Tuesday, claiming he was aware of Sa'ar's general plans though not the particular timing.
While Netanyahu thus received a lifeline for the short-term, political energy is now at a new level and public pressure for an election is likely to increase.
The poll found strong support for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry to examine the October 7 massacre.
“We expect large protests demanding his resignation and new elections. A different, more moderate government is a possibility,” the report stated.
Although Netanyahu will still enjoy a majority in Israel's parliament if National Unity leaves the government, the party's exit is widely viewed as a trigger that will lead to protests.
Yair Lapid lambasted the chief rabbi’s remarks on Sunday, stating, “Rabbi Yosef's words are an insult and disgrace to the IDF soldiers who risk their lives to defend the country."
The 47-year-old pact, whereby ultra-Orthodoxy got wholesale draft exemptions, budgets, and subsidies in turn for joining Likud’s coalitions will next month come to an end.
Israel should not think that it can just break away from the US or dictate to Washington the way things need to happen. This would again be a case of negligent hubris.
The murky relationship between Netanyahu and Gantz takes another turn: because of the strained relationship, Netanyahu’s office was ready to expose Gantz to criminal charges and even arrest warrants.
Halevi said that broadening the sectors of Israel's population that serve in the IDF and national service is the only way to replace the many Israeli soldiers who have died in the current war.
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