Netanyahu: Israel ‘needs stability,’ not an early election

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that “the last thing” Israel currently needs is to hold an election, in response to a question on whether the next national vote will happen on schedule during his press conference tonight.

Asked whether he believes the Haredi draft law and state budget bill will pass in their second and third readings, and that the election will be held on schedule, Netanyahu replies: “That is both my aspiration and my hope. And I think everyone knows what a sensitive and unusual situation we are in. The last thing Israel needs in this situation is an election.”

“We need stability, and I don’t need to spell that out – it’s understood. I hope everyone will understand the national responsibility required at this moment. That’s all I can say to you,” he says.

Alluding to the ultra-Orthodox parties, he says those from his bloc who might consider partnering with his opponents, led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, would in effect be joining forces with the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Movement, referencing the Ra’am party led by Mansour Abbas, a partner in the 2021-22 Bennett-Lapid coalition.

Under the law, a national election must be held by the end of October this year. If the budget fails to pass or the Knesset disperses, an election will be held earlier.