Israel’s democratic immunity is under threat

Israel’s democratic system continues to erode as Netanyahu does everything and anything to avoid prison.

With clear reluctance and no choice, President Reuven Rivlin has tasked prime minister and Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu with forming Israel’s next government for the fourth time in two years. Following four elections with inconclusive results, Netanyahu now has 28 days – with a possible 14-day extension – to form a government but fewer than the 61-seat Knesset majority to do so. If the task was challenging following the three previous rounds, this time it appears almost impossible. One man, Benjamin Netanyahu, has repeatedly stood in the way of joining the pieces of the puzzle to put together a stable, functioning government. As New Hope party Chair Gideon Saar put it: If Netanyahu steps aside and lets another Likud figure lead the party, whether health minister Yuli Edelstein, finance minister Israel Katz or Knesset member Nir Barkat, a government could be formed easily and quickly. Saar, whose party won six seats in the March 23 elections, has contemptuously dismissed Netanyahu’s plea that he return to the fold of the Likud. His suggestion of placing someone else at the party’s helm reflects the views of many on the political right and centre.