Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leader of the opposition Benny Gantz are bitter enemies but now there’s a greater threat.
The recent Israeli-Palestinian hostilities have an unexpected effect on Israel’s polarized political landscape. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been facing significant protests this year, primarily related to his controversial judicial reform agenda, which some view as a threat to Israeli democracy. However, following the attack from Gaza, Netanyahu has engaged in discussions with Benny Gantz, the leader of the center-right National Unity party, to potentially form a unity government. Gantz expressed the need for a “war cabinet” due to the gravity of the situation.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also offered to join an “emergency government” but suggested that it would require removing “far-right” cabinet members for him to participate.
The creation of a “grand coalition” could limit criticism from opposition politicians during what is expected to be a protracted conflict. Israel faces challenges, including the hostage situation in Gaza and potential fluctuations in international support during the ongoing war. To survive, Israeli politicians rally around the flag, as anyone would do in a state of war.
