Israel heads for third general election within a year

December 12, 2019 09:13

Israelis will head back to polls for the third general election in less than a year after the two largest parties of the Jewish country failed to make a power-sharing deal before a Wednesday deadline.

Incumbent prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, and his main rival Benny Gantz, former army chief and leader of the centrist Blue and White alliance, were unable to build a governing coalition following an indecisive September general election.

It is the second time this year that the leading parties failed to form a government after a national vote .

The Knesset had until midnight on Wednesday failed to agree on a politician who could command the support of 61 out of the 120 members of Israel's parliament.

When no one was able to garner the minimum backing, an election in March 2020 was automatically triggered.

The move indicates that Netanyahu remains the country's Prime Minister, even though he has presided over a transition government for nearly a year and failed to assemble a functioning coalition after elections in April and September.

This time Netanyahu will conduct his campaign while facing criminal indictment on charges of bribery and fraud and breach of trust in three separate criminal investigations.

The 70-year-old politician also faces a serious challenge within his own Likud party -- a leadership contest is tentatively scheduled for December 26. -- ANI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Canada arrests 3 Indians in Nijjar's killing, says more people involved

Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of Sikh activist Nijjar, CTV News quoted a senior government source as saying.

Extend all possible support to Revanna's victims: Rahul writes to K'taka CM

In a veiled attack on Modi, Rahul said he has never come across a senior public representative who has constantly chosen silence in the face of untold violence against women.

'Mumbai Indians a very confused team; Hardik looks flattened'

India vice-captain Hardik Pandya looks drained, flattened, under pressure and Mumbai Indians appear like a confused unit under him, reckon former cricketers Aaron Finch and Greame Smith.

INDIA bloc PM will be...: Shashi Tharoor

'The PM who is first among equals, who has to listen to others, take their point of view into account and who would have to be a good manager'

No funding from Cong, Puri LS candidate returns ticket

'I tried a public donation drive to support my campaign for progressive politics without much success so far. I also tried to cut down the projected campaign spending to the minimum'