Another key ally quits Netanyahu''s governing coalition in a major blow to Israel''s leader

Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, July 17th 2025 at 20:38 GMT by Seattle Times
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A key governing partner of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it is quitting the government, leaving him with a minority in parliament.

In a significant political development in Israel, a key coalition partner of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced their decision to quit the government, leaving Netanyahu with a minority in the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset. This move has profound implications for the stability of Netanyahu’s administration and the future direction of Israeli politics, as it raises questions about the longevity of his government and the potential for early elections.

The coalition partner in question is the centrist Blue and White party, led by Benny Gantz, who has been a critical figure in maintaining the fragile balance of power within Netanyahu’s government. Gantz, who also serves as the Defense Minister, has been part of a unity government formed in 2020 after a series of inconclusive elections that left Israel in a prolonged state of political deadlock. The unity agreement was initially forged as a means to address the urgent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to avoid yet another round of elections. Under the terms of the deal, Gantz and Netanyahu agreed to rotate the premiership, with Gantz slated to take over as prime minister after a set period. However, tensions between the two leaders and their respective factions have simmered for months, fueled by disagreements over policy, budget issues, and mutual distrust.

The decision by Gantz to withdraw from the coalition stems from a culmination of frustrations, particularly over what he and his party perceive as Netanyahu’s failure to honor the terms of their power-sharing agreement. A major point of contention has been the state budget, which has not been passed for several years, exacerbating economic uncertainty in the country. Gantz has accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his personal political survival over the needs of the nation, especially as the prime minister faces ongoing legal battles over corruption charges. Netanyahu, for his part, has denied the allegations against him and has framed the political crisis as a result of Gantz’s inability to compromise or work collaboratively within the coalition.

The departure of Blue and White from the government is a seismic shift in Israeli politics because it strips Netanyahu of the parliamentary majority he needs to govern effectively. The Knesset consists of 120 seats, and a majority requires at least 61 seats. With Blue and White’s exit, Netanyahu’s coalition is left with fewer seats than necessary to maintain control, placing him in a precarious position. This minority status means that the government will struggle to pass legislation, including critical budgetary measures, and could face a no-confidence vote from opposition parties eager to capitalize on the situation. If such a vote succeeds, it could trigger the collapse of the government and force new elections, a scenario that many Israelis dread given the country’s recent history of repeated electoral stalemates.

The political landscape in Israel is notoriously fragmented, with a multitude of parties representing diverse ideological, religious, and cultural interests. Netanyahu, as the leader of the right-wing Likud party, has relied on a coalition of ultra-Orthodox and nationalist parties in addition to Blue and White to maintain power. However, the loss of Gantz’s party not only weakens his numerical strength in the Knesset but also damages his credibility as a unifying figure capable of holding together a broad-based government. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s hardline policies and refusal to make concessions have alienated potential allies, while his supporters maintain that he is a steadfast leader committed to protecting Israel’s security and national interests in a volatile region.

Gantz’s decision to leave the coalition does not necessarily mean the immediate end of Netanyahu’s tenure as prime minister. Under Israeli law, if the government loses its majority, the Knesset has a window of time to form an alternative coalition without resorting to elections. Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid of the centrist Yesh Atid party, may attempt to cobble together a new government with the support of other factions, potentially including Blue and White. However, forming such a coalition is easier said than done, given the deep ideological divides between potential partners. For instance, any coalition that includes both centrist and left-leaning parties alongside Arab-Israeli parties would face significant hurdles, as many right-wing factions are vehemently opposed to such alliances.

The timing of this political crisis is particularly challenging for Israel, which is grappling with a range of domestic and international issues. Domestically, the country is still recovering from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, with high unemployment and strained public services adding to public discontent. Internationally, Israel faces ongoing security threats, including tensions with Iran over its nuclear program and periodic flare-ups of violence with Palestinian groups in Gaza and the West Bank. A weakened government could struggle to respond decisively to these challenges, potentially emboldening adversaries or undermining Israel’s position in diplomatic negotiations.

Public opinion in Israel appears divided over the unfolding crisis. Some citizens express frustration with the constant political instability and the prospect of yet another election, which would be the fifth in just a few years. Others see Gantz’s move as a necessary stand against what they view as Netanyahu’s authoritarian tendencies and refusal to step aside despite facing serious legal challenges. Netanyahu, who has been a dominant figure in Israeli politics for over a decade, retains a loyal base of supporters who credit him with strengthening Israel’s economy and securing historic normalization agreements with several Arab states through the Abraham Accords.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Knesset to see whether an alternative coalition can be formed or if the country is headed for another round of elections. Analysts suggest that Netanyahu may attempt to woo smaller parties or individual lawmakers to shore up his numbers, though such efforts are likely to come at the cost of significant political concessions. Meanwhile, Gantz has positioned himself as a principled leader willing to put the country’s interests above personal ambition, though his critics argue that his decision risks plunging Israel into further chaos at a critical juncture.

The broader implications of this political upheaval extend beyond Israel’s borders. The United States, a key ally, has historically relied on a stable Israeli government to advance shared strategic goals in the Middle East, including countering Iran’s influence and promoting regional peace initiatives. A prolonged period of uncertainty in Jerusalem could complicate these efforts, particularly as the Biden administration seeks to reengage with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and navigate its own domestic political challenges.

In conclusion, the withdrawal of Benny Gantz and the Blue and White party from Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition marks a turning point in Israeli politics, one that could reshape the country’s leadership and policy direction in the coming months. With Netanyahu now leading a minority government, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty, as competing factions vie for power in a deeply polarized political environment. Whether this crisis leads to a new government, fresh elections, or a last-minute compromise remains to be seen, but the stakes for Israel—and the wider region—are undeniably high. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Netanyahu can weather this storm or if his long tenure as prime minister is finally nearing its end. As Israelis brace for what lies ahead, the enduring question is whether the country can find a way to break free from the cycle of political gridlock that has defined its recent history, or if it will remain mired in division and instability for the foreseeable future.

Read the Full Seattle Times Article at:
[ https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/a-key-coalition-partner-of-netanyahu-is-quitting-leaving-him-with-minority-in-israeli-parliament/ ]

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Another key ally quits Netanyahu''s governing coalition in a major blow to Israel''s leader