Gantz's Party Submits Bill to Dissolve Israeli Parliament, Calls for Early Elections

In a bold move to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz's National Unity Party has submitted a bill to dissolve the Knesset, aiming to trigger early elections.

The proposal, spearheaded by National Unity lawmaker Pnina Tamano-Shata, underscores mounting tensions within the Israeli political landscape.

"Oct. 7 is a disaster that obliges us to return and receive the trust of the nation; to establish a broad and stable unity government that can lead us with confidence in the face of major challenges in terms of security, the economy and especially in Israeli society," Tamano-Shata emphasized.

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The call for early elections comes amidst Gantz's ultimatum to Netanyahu, threatening to exit the coalition unless concrete plans are laid out for a post-Hamas Gaza.

"I look you in the eyes tonight and tell you: The choice is in your hands. After talking to you again and again, the moment of truth has come," stated Gantz, setting a deadline of June 8 for Netanyahu to approve a plan of action.

Gantz outlined six strategic goals, including the return of hostages, Hamas's destruction, demilitarization of Gaza, and establishing Israeli security control in the region. Additionally, he called for the creation of an international civilian governance mechanism for Gaza, the rehabilitation of affected areas, advancement in normalization with Saudi Arabia, and reform in Israel's military service framework.

Netanyahu leading an unstable coalition? 

The bill's submission signals growing discontent within Gantz's faction and underscores the precarious nature of the ruling coalition.

The next Israeli national vote must be held by Oct. 27, 2026. It remains unclear if Gantz commands sufficient support from lawmakers within the coalition to pass the bill.