Israel is reeling from a maelstrom of history-making political firsts that are prompting questions and debates and forcing Israelis to reflect on individual choice and the implications therein.
The political system has been in a deadlock for nearly a year after snap general elections were held and failed to produce a new government. Months later, an unprecedented second round of elections was called for the same year. It also failed to produce a functioning government.
In late November, sitting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on criminal charges that carry a potential ten-year sentence.
Netanyahu, Israel's longest serving prime minister with a decade-long tenure, maintains he is innocent. The PM claims a corrupt justice system presented false charges against him and on national television, Netanyahu described the indictment as an attempted coup.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his speech at a Likud Party gathering, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on November 17, 2019. /VCG Photo
Stuck negotiations and criminal charges
Government formation has been mired beyond arm's reach for a host of reasons. At the core, the sides can't agree to terms for entering into a coalition together. Each party comes to the table with sets of demands. Multiple parties with a myriad set of "bottom lines" means lines get crossed and tangled, resulting in a stalemate.
PM Netanyahu's looming indictment contributed to the deadlock as he attempted to negotiate political deals favorable to his personal set of circumstances i.e. looming criminal charges. In Israel, a serving prime minister can't be forced out of office regardless of charges or court proceedings. There is no legal precedent for the current state of affairs.
Netanyahu, tasked twice with forming a coalition, was unsuccessful both times.
His political rival, Benny Gantz, also fell short of forming a government.
Benny Gantz, leader of Blue and White party, delivers a statement in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 23, 2019. /VCG Photo
The implications
A stuck government means budgets aren't reviewed or passed, committees vital to public interests and the country's fluid functioning aren't in place and critical projects get put on hold.
Government sources say there's "chaos" within ministries. Defense contractors report frozen funding. An anticipated road and rail building freeze looms.
What happens next?
Likud Party supporters write the letter B on their hands to support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before a Likud Party gathering in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 17, 2019. /VCG Photo
Government formation has gone to another historic first: The "21-day phase" when parliament or Knesset members (MK's) have three weeks to form a government. Any MK who garners a majority 61 signatures from the 120 members of Knesset will lead in building a new government. If that fails, Israel goes to yet another round of elections.
Leaning on Israeli law, Netanyahu will undoubtedly file a request for immunity from prosecution. The problem with that channel is linked to the frozen government: Without the relevant committees in place, an immunity vote can't take place.
Based on current Israel law, Netanyahu could also run as his Likud party leader in a third round of elections. But grumblings from some Likud members indicate a move to oust Netanyahu and elect a new leader.
Polls shows 56 percent of Israelis are calling on Netanyahu to step down. Three days after the indictment announcement, a petition with the High Court is calling for Netanyahu's forced resignation.