JERUSALEM: Israel’s precarious coalition government took a first step towards collapse on Wednesday, as lawmakers gave a preliminary approval to a bill dissolving parliament, raising prospects of a fourth election in less than two years.

The measure passed with support from the Blue and White party led by Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz, the key partner in the coalition headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a primetime address on Tuesday, Gantz, who is also defence minister, accused Netanyahu of focusing only on his political self-interest and depriving the country of a budget during unprecedented economic strife caused by the pandemic. The opposition-sponsored bill earned 61 votes on Wednesday, with 54 voting against.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2020