Israel's Knesset dissolves, deepening political crisis amid Gaza war

On 20 May the Israeli Knesset voted unanimously (110‑0) to dissolve itself, triggering snap elections and marking a sharp escalation in the country's political turmoil. The move follows the October 7 Hamas attack and the ensuing war in Gaza, which have eroded public confidence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition of far‑right parties. Opposition leaders, initially led by Yair Lapid, have called for Netanyahu’s resignation, while the government faces criticism over its handling of the conflict, alleged war‑crimes and the compulsory military service of ultra‑Orthodox Jews.

National‑Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have used the crisis to push controversial policies, including accelerated West‑Bank annexation and stricter measures against Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu’s administration continues to rely on strong U.S. backing, yet domestic pressure and internal dissent threaten its stability as Israel grapples with a war‑driven humanitarian disaster and mounting political opposition.