This means that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s government has only a minority of 59 of the 120 seats in parliament. The opposition, led by former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, could theoretically lead to the dissolution of parliament and new elections.
Recent riots as a reason
Representative Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi justified her step, among other things, with the actions of the Israeli police in the recent clashes at the Temple Mount (Al-Haram Al-Sharif) in Jerusalem. In her resignation letter, she was also shocked by police violence at the funeral of an Al-Jazeera reporter who was killed Friday in Jerusalem. “I cannot continue to support the existence of such a coalition that is shamefully harassing the society I come from,” wrote the Arab parliamentarian.
Bennett’s eight-party coalition lost its majority in the Knesset last month after a member of the ruling Yamina party resigned. She survived two votes of no confidence.
More about it:
The dissolution of Parliament may follow
The opposition could introduce a bill dissolving parliament next Wednesday. If it fails, however, the advance would be blocked for half a year. Even if it succeeds, it would take three more readings, for which the opposition needs the votes of at least 61 of the 120 deputies.
Israel’s electoral dilemma
Bennett’s government took office in mid-June last year. Israel’s long-term political crisis, with four elections in two years, is over for now. The coalition was supported by a total of eight parties from the right to the left – including, for the first time, an Arab party.
Violence on the Temple Mount
The Arab party Raam temporarily suspended its membership of the coalition last month because of clashes between Israeli and Palestinian security forces on the Temple Mount.
More about it: