Israeli ministers and lawmakers within the ruling Likud party are reportedly in discussions about a plan to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office. The plan involves garnering the support of 61 lawmakers to pass a vote of no confidence in Netanyahu’s government and forming a new government without resorting to elections. Concerns within Likud lawmakers arise from the fear that if Netanyahu remains at the party’s helm and leads it to electoral defeat, many members may lose their positions in the Israeli political system.
The reported strategy includes waiting until the conclusion of the ongoing military ground operation in Gaza before moving forward with the plan to oust Netanyahu in a parliamentary session. To address opposition concerns, the proposed Likud figure to lead the government after Netanyahu would allegedly not participate in the next elections.
The success of the plan is considered unlikely, given that only 10 Likud lawmakers reportedly support it, while at least 15 are needed according to Israeli law.
Netanyahu’s government was sworn in on December 29, 2022, following November elections that granted his right-wing bloc a simple majority.
Recent Israeli opinion polls indicate a significant decline in support for Netanyahu and the Likud Party, particularly following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7 and amid subsequent Israeli retaliation.
