This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Published on September 18, 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's grip on power began to slip as the results of a tight election showed a perilous future ahead.
Netanyahu's Likud party lost seats in the election, which was marked by a surge in support for liberal and centrist parties. These parties called for an end to the financial and social burdens imposed by ultra-Orthodox groups on other Israelis, and demanded more pluralistic options for marriages and conversions.
However, Netanyahu's alliance with the ultra-Orthodox parties remained strong, thanks to their high voter turnout. But even this bond was tested as Netanyahu faced opposition from within his own party and from the White House.
President Trump's decision to bar two Democratic members of Congress from entering Israel sparked a political firestorm, and Netanyahu's opposition to talks with Iran was also a point of contention. The departure of John Bolton, Trump's national security adviser, added to Netanyahu's woes.
As Netanyahu's political and legal troubles converged, he faced the possibility of indictment in three corruption cases. Gaining parliamentary immunity may be his best chance of avoiding prosecution.
The election also saw a significant increase in the Arab vote, with the Arab bloc gaining up to three new seats in Parliament. This was attributed to a larger turnout and the reunification of Arab politicians into a single Joint List.
