A deadlock has paralyzed Israel's political system for the past year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested the country form an emergency unity government in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
What We're Tracking Seeking an End to Israel's Political Deadlock. Israel may have at least one shot at seeing its political paralysis broken when Benny Gantz, of the Blue and White party, attempts to oust Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, an ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, next week. The ouster could presage a serious push to form a minority government by Gantz, built from a center-left that may have some political life remaining in it. At the moment, both Gantz and Netanyahu are trying to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis, which Israel is trying to combat with widespread travel bans and social distancing tactics like school closures — Netanyahu has suggested the country form an "emergency unity government" in response to the crisis, with the implication that he would be a big part of it.
