London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Jun 25, 2026

Israel faces fifth election in four years after parliament votes to dissolve itself

Israel faces fifth election in four years after parliament votes to dissolve itself

Ex-talk show host Yair Lapid has been appointed caretaker PM after Naftali Bennett stepped down following the collapse of Israel's coalition government - which could pave the way for fallen leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, to return to power.

Israel's parliament has voted to dissolve itself, sparking the country's fifth election in less than four years.

Former talk show host Yair Lapid, currently foreign minister, will take control of the Knesset from Naftali Bennett - Israel's shortest-serving prime minister - from just after midnight on Friday.

The government, a coalition of ideologically diverse parties including an Arab faction, collapsed just over a year after it was formed in a historic move that unseated long-term leader Benjamin Netanyahu from power after 12 years.

The motion to dissolve parliament passed with 92 in favour and none opposed, after days of disputes over a new election date.

Israel will choose its new leader when the vote is held on 1 November, it has now been decided.

Mr Lapid, 58, will become the 14th person to hold office in Jerusalem until a new leader is officially announced.

He was an architect of the outgoing coalition government - a collective of eight parties across the political spectrum which tried but failed to find common ground following a prolonged period of gridlock.

Four deadlocked elections in the past three years have been described as referendums on Mr Netanyahu's fitness to serve while facing corruption charges.

But the collapse of the Israeli government could see a possible return to power for the former leader, who remains a significant figure in Israeli politics.

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks ahead of the vote on a bill to dissolve parliament.


Mr Netanyahu, 72, who is accused of accepting bribes, fraud, and breach of trust, has denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Lapid, who leads a centre-left party, is expected to campaign as caretaker PM to keep the job as the main alternative to Mr Netanyahu.

His popularity is expected to be bolstered when US President Joe Biden visits Israel next week.

However, polls conducted by Israel media show Mr Netanyahu and his allies are gaining momentum - but it is unclear whether they would win enough votes to form a 61-seat majority in the 120-member Knesset.

Foreign minister Yair Lapid will assume the role of acting PM.


But if no party succeeds in achieving a majority, the country will face a fresh election.

Mr Bennett, 50, has ruled himself out of the race, revealing how he would be taking a hiatus from politics.

He tweeted a picture of himself to his 502,000 followers on Thursday morning, along with a caption in Hebrew translating as "thanks", together with a heart and Israeli flag emoji.

Under his leadership, the government failed to renew an emergency law preserving the special legal status of Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank.

The legislation is considered essential for many Israelis.

Since he was ousted last year, Mr Netanyahu has spent his time as opposition leader actively undermining the coalition and encouraging opposition parties to vote against government bills, culminating in the defeat of the West Bank legislation.

Addressing parliament, the former Israeli PM said: "They promised change, they spoke about healing, they tried an experiment, and the experiment failed.

"We are the only alternative: a strong, stable, responsible nationalist government."

Leader of the Islamist Ra'am faction, Mansour Abbas, joined the coalition to secure better funding for Israel's Arab minority - which accounts for 20% of the population.

Israel's Arab citizens battle widespread discrimination due to their close ties with and support for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

Comments

Anna 4 year ago
Might be easier to dissolve Israel and give it back to the rightful owners

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
UK Energy Price Volatility Reinforces Pressure for Faster Electrification of Economy
UK Defence and Aerospace Strategy Gains Momentum as Keir Starmer Pushes Industrial Cooperation in Berlin
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Unveils £53 Million Investment in Farming Innovation
Foreign Secretary Announces Medical Evacuations and University Support for Palestinians in Gaza
Government-Commissioned Report Highlights Economic Exposure to Climate-Driven Fossil Fuel Price Shocks
Climate Change Committee Warns UK Is Off Track on Emissions Cuts and Calls for Faster Decarbonisation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer Calls for Deeper UK-EU Defence and Industrial Cooperation in Berlin Address
Met Office Issues Red Extreme Heat Warning as Temperatures Set to Surpass 37°C in England and Wales
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates at 3.75% as Inflation Outlook Remains Uncertain
UK Announces New Military Infrastructure at Catterick to Support Engineer Regiment Relocation
University of Reading Ranked Among Top 100 Globally for Sustainability Impact
UK Launches Counter-Fraud Taskforce to Investigate Covid Loan Scams
UK Government Introduces Customs and Tax Reforms to Support High Street Retailers
Jonathan Haskel Nominated as Chair of the UK Office for Budget Responsibility
UK Government Expands Powers to Recover Benefit Debt and Tackle Welfare Fraud
Labour Party Leadership Contest Intensifies as Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband Clash Over Economic Direction
Rail Operators Urge Essential Travel Only as Extreme Heat Threatens UK Network Stability
United Kingdom Issues Red Extreme Heat Warning as Temperatures Forecast to Reach 38°C
Keir Starmer Announces Resignation as UK Prime Minister Amid Deepening Political Instability
UK Biotechnology Sector Receives Increased Public Funding to Support Regional Growth
Police Chiefs Update National Protest Management Guidelines Amid Rising Demonstration Activity
UK Aviation Regulator Expands Support for Regional Airports to Strengthen Domestic Routes
CMA Launches Investigation Into Retail Pricing Across UK Grocery Sector
UK Energy Operator Warns of Winter Supply Pressures Despite Stable Overall Grid Outlook
UK Research Council Expands Funding for Regional Biotechnology and Life Sciences Clusters
UK Compensation Scheme for Post Office Horizon Scandal Reaches 80 Percent Completion
Police Chiefs Issue Updated National Guidance on Managing Large Public Demonstrations
UK Expands Regional Airport Funding Scheme to Boost Domestic Connectivity
UK Competition Watchdog Launches Inquiry Into Grocery Pricing Practices
National Grid Warns of Tight Energy Management Needs During Upcoming Winter Peak Demand
UK Education Department Introduces National Standards for AI Use in Secondary Schools
UK High Court Clears North Sea Carbon Capture Project After Final Legal Challenge Fails
Northern Ireland Leaders Hold Emergency Talks on Trade Disruption Under Windsor Framework
Welsh Government Moves to Expand Social Housing in Response to Severe Affordability Pressures
UK Economy Sees Unexpected Rise in Business Investment in Second Quarter, ONS Data Shows
Scottish Government Unveils Multi-Billion Pound Investment Plan for Renewable Energy and Grid Expansion
UK and EU Agree Enhanced Defence Cooperation Pact Covering Intelligence and North Sea Security
Prime Minister Orders Independent Review of NHS Performance After Record Waiting Lists
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates at 5 Percent as Services Inflation Remains Persistent
UK Heatwave Disrupts Transport, Healthcare and Public Services as Red Weather Alerts Expand Nationwide
Barclays Warns of Growing Cyber Risk Divide Between Large UK Firms and Micro Businesses
European Defence Plans Including Ukraine Integration Prompt UK Strategic Reassessment
UK Equity Markets React as US–Iran Peace Roadmap Eases Oil Price Pressures
United Kingdom Expands Global Clean Energy Partnerships With Brazil, Morocco and Tanzania
Lord David Frost Urges Incoming UK Leadership to Abandon EU Regulatory Reset Strategy
Housing Groups Support Amendment to Strengthen Fire and Gas Safety Access Powers in Social Housing
South London NHS Estates Staff Ballot on Industrial Action Over Pay Structures in Hospital Maintenance Services
United Kingdom Government Invests £60 Million in AI Research Labs at Oxford and University College London
Barclays Cyber Security Report Highlights Rising Threat Exposure Among UK Small Businesses in AI-Driven Attacks
UK Met Office Heatwave Triggers Transport Warnings as Rail Operators Urge Cancellations Amid Infrastructure Strain
×