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Israel Faces Early Election as Likud Struggles to Form a Stable Coalition

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. -likud-struggles-to-form-a-stable-coalition.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 18:48 GMT by The Jerusalem Post Blogs

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Israel’s Political Landscape and Diplomatic Tensions: A Summary of the Jerusalem Post Article (ID 880990)

The Jerusalem Post article (link: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-880990) offers a detailed look at the current state of Israeli politics and the diplomatic tightrope the country is walking as it navigates a complex security environment, an uneasy coalition, and a looming election. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s key points, the context that underpins them, and the broader implications for Israel’s domestic and foreign policy.

1. The Fragile Coalition and the Election Countdown

A. Background of the Coalition Crisis
The article opens by outlining how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right‑wing Likud Party, despite holding a plurality of seats in the 129‑member Knesset, has struggled to form a stable governing coalition. The opposition has pushed back on several of Likud’s core policy platforms—including settlement expansion in the West Bank, the draft of an expanded national security law, and the handling of the Gaza conflict—leading to a series of political dead‑locks. This stalemate has prompted calls for an early election, a process that would reset the political balance and give voters a chance to decide the country’s future direction.

B. The Role of the President
President Isaac Herzog, a former Labor Party member who has recently taken a more outspoken role in the political debate, is mentioned as the figure responsible for overseeing the electoral process. Herzog’s office has been tasked with ensuring a smooth transition of power, and he has emphasized the importance of a fair election that respects the rule of law and the democratic process. The article notes that Herzog has already begun consultations with the political parties to discuss potential coalition frameworks and the possibility of a “national unity government” that would include parties across the spectrum.

C. Timing and Key Dates
According to the article, the Knesset’s deadline for forming a government is set for late March. If a coalition cannot be secured by then, the next election will be called for early May, a window that gives political parties ample time to renegotiate their positions but also puts pressure on them to act swiftly. The article underscores that the electoral timetable is crucial for setting the stage for Israel’s next strategic moves on the international stage, especially in relation to its ongoing engagement with the United States and the European Union.

2. Diplomatic Strains: Israel’s Relations with the United States and the West

A. The US Relationship
The article devotes a significant portion to Israel’s complex relationship with the United States, especially under the Biden administration. Biden’s policy team has expressed concern over the lack of progress toward a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, citing the continued settlement activity and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as key stumbling blocks. The article quotes several senior U.S. officials who have warned that Washington will keep a close eye on any moves by Israel that could further destabilize the region or strain the long‑standing U.S.-Israel partnership.

B. Diplomatic Tensions in Europe
In addition to the U.S., the article points to growing pressure from European allies, particularly Germany and France, who have been advocating for a renewed “two‑state solution.” European diplomats are seen as increasingly willing to use trade and energy policy as leverage to encourage Israel to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Palestinians. The article notes that Israel’s decision to expand its settlement network has been a major point of friction, with the European Union threatening to impose sanctions on Israeli companies if the policy persists.

C. The “Humanitarian Corridor” Proposal
One of the most striking diplomatic developments highlighted in the article is the proposal of a “humanitarian corridor” in Gaza. This would involve a coordinated effort between Israel, the U.S., and humanitarian agencies to allow medical aid, food, and refugees to move in and out of Gaza without the threat of military action. The article reports that Israeli officials, led by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, have been in talks with U.S. counterparts to secure a framework that balances Israel’s security concerns with humanitarian imperatives. However, it also points out that the proposal has yet to gain unanimous support from all political factions in Israel, particularly the far‑right, which insists on a hardline stance against Hamas.

3. Internal Political Maneuvers and Public Sentiment

A. The Rise of “New Politics”
The article highlights how younger, more progressive voters are looking for an alternative to the traditional Likud‑Shinui‑Labor trinity. The “New Politics” movement, largely championed by the Labor Party’s new leader, is advocating for a focus on climate change, social justice, and a pivot away from settlement expansion. These issues are increasingly resonating in the poll data, which indicates a potential shift in the electoral balance if the opposition can successfully consolidate its message.

B. Public Opinion on the Gaza Conflict
Polling data referenced in the article shows a divided public on the approach toward the Gaza conflict. While a majority of respondents support a robust security posture to counter Hamas, a significant minority—particularly in the youth demographic—are demanding a more humanitarian approach and a clear path toward a negotiated settlement. The article concludes that this internal divide will likely translate into a tough election campaign for Likud, which will have to balance its security credentials with the rising demand for diplomatic solutions.

4. Follow‑up Links and Additional Context

The Jerusalem Post article links to several additional stories that help to flesh out the broader context:

1. “Israel to Hold Early Election After Coalition Talks Fail” – This piece provides a deeper look into the Knesset’s decision to move the election date forward, citing the political impasse that has left the country in a state of uncertainty.
2. “Biden Administration Calls for ‘Humanitarian Corridor’ in Gaza” – A U.S. State Department statement that outlines the details of the proposed corridor and its potential impact on regional stability.
3. “European Union Threatens Sanctions on Israeli Settlement Companies” – An analysis of the EU’s legal framework for imposing sanctions and the economic ramifications for Israeli firms operating in Europe.
4. “Israel’s President Herzog Calls for National Unity” – An interview with President Herzog, where he stresses the need for a broad-based coalition that can navigate the nation’s security and humanitarian challenges.

5. Bottom Line

In sum, the Jerusalem Post article provides a panoramic view of Israel’s political and diplomatic crisis at a pivotal moment. With an early election on the horizon, a fragile coalition struggling to secure stability, and mounting pressure from both U.S. and European partners, Israeli leaders face a complex decision matrix. Their choices will not only shape the domestic political landscape but also determine how Israel positions itself on the global stage amid ongoing security challenges and humanitarian crises. As the country prepares for the next electoral showdown, the interplay between domestic politics, diplomatic negotiations, and the humanitarian realities on the ground will continue to define Israel’s trajectory in the coming months.