Netanyahu leads united opposition into Israeli elections
After much political haggling, the coalition finally managed to disperse the Knesset, setting the date for the new elections as Nov. 1.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid probably didn't imagine the tumultuous way that he became prime minister. He was supposed to take over from Naftali Bennett at midnight last night, but with the Knesset so divided, neither bloc was even able to reach an accord on how the legislature would dissolve itself. Lapid was forced to wait well into the night, while Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu tried to form an alternative government right under his nose.
It took until late this morning for the 24th Knesset to vote to dissolve itself. It also decided that the next election would take place on Nov. 1, 2022.
Lapid will officially become prime minister at midnight tonight, but he and Bennett did not wait for then to officialize the transition. A small ceremony took place early this afternoon at the prime minister’s office. Another will take place tonight at the residence of President Isaac Herzog. Lapid need not be sworn in at the Knesset, as he was when the government was first established, as agreed in the rotation deal.
November will be the third time Israelis head to the polls in just three and a half years, and they still have no assurance that this vote will restore political stability.
