Israel's Parliament Votes for Early Elections, Freezing Peace Talks

Strategic Insights -

The Israeli parliament has voted overwhelmingly for early elections, effectively freezing the peace talks with the Palestinians. The decision was made after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faced opposition from within its own coalition, with some members unhappy with his new peace policies. The elections are expected to take place by the end of April, and several figures, including Netanyahu and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak, have expressed interest in becoming the next prime minister.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Knesset voted 81-30 to approve early elections, with Netanyahu slumped in his seat at the Cabinet table voting in favor.
  • The decision was made after Netanyahu's government faced opposition from within its own coalition, with some members unhappy with his new peace policies.
  • Netanyahu's conditions for resuming the Wye accord include a renunciation of Palestinian claims to statehood and Jerusalem, a gathering of arms, an end to violence and incitement to violence, and a renunciation of claims that he agreed to release Palestinians jailed for killing Israelis.
  • Labor Party leader Ehud Barak said the freeze in the peace process had undermined faith in Netanyahu's leadership, calling for action over "whining".
  • The Palestinians claim to have complied with the Wye accord, but Netanyahu's government has refused to continue with the peace process.
  • Polls suggest that a bid by Lt. Gen. Amnon Lipkin-Shahak, a former military chief of staff, could push Barak out of the race and lead to a runoff between Netanyahu and Shahak.

Statistics:

  • The Knesset voted 81-30 to approve early elections.
  • The decision was made after Netanyahu's government faced opposition from within its own coalition, with some members unhappy with his new peace policies (56-48 against his peace policies).
  • The elections are expected to take place by the end of April 27, as agreed by Netanyahu and Barak (Israel radio reported).

Sources:

  • James Foley, a State Department spokesman, quoted as saying the United States opposed attaching new conditions to the agreement and welcomed Palestinian efforts to meet their commitments (implying criticism of Israel).
  • Ehud Barak, Labor Party leader, quoted as saying "The test of leadership is action, not whining" in Parliament.
  • Arieh Deri, leader of the small Shas party, quoted as saying he would continue to lobby for Barak-Netanyahu talks.
  • Palestinian Information Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo quoted as saying Netanyahu's actions were "political clowning" that had put Israel in a "political crisis" and "peace process in crisis".