What’s going on in Israel?
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” I Tim 2:1-4
God said that whatever can be shaken will be shaken. Our world is being shaken and we seem to be losing control of our lives. At this time and in this situation, we must stay on the Rock of Salvation, Yeshua/Jesus, meaning Salvation in Hebrew. He is our anchor. Just a few months ago we could fly to other countries, visit friends and relatives, near and far, whenever and wherever we wanted. Now, no more. We are locked-down, and all because of a tiny virus. So many things are uncertain – the economy, jobs, schools, even governments.
Before the coronavirus crisis, Israel’s economic condition was very good, but now no one can predict how the economy will recover, even though efforts are being made to salvage it. Israel needs a strong and stable economy based on a strong and stable government.
After the March 2nd election, Gantz was granted the first chance to form a government, and the only way he could have done so was with the Joint Arab List (anti-Zionist, pro-Palestinian leaders of the Arab-Israeli citizens) backing him. Although his supporters were deeply divided, they were united in their ‘Just Not Bibi’ (PM Netanyahu) platform. Gantz immediately started attempts to recommend legislation that would have disqualified the indicted Netanyahu from serving as Prime Minister in the future. Some members of his bloc, who opposed allowing the Arab Joint list to be a part of the bloc pulled out, leaving Gantz with less than the 61 members needed to form a coalition.
With the increase of the coronavirus crisis, and his three-faction alliance crumbling, Gantz made a surprise move by accepting PM Netanyahu’s call to form a joint government to deal with the pandemic. After several meetings, Gantz and Netanyahu have not been able to agree on several issues:
- Even with fewer elected members than the Likud, Gantz demanded equal members from his bloc to receive major offices, including the Justice Office.
- Another major disagreement was Netanyahu’s insistence that sovereignty be declared as soon as possible to implement part of President Trump’s Plan that gives Israel sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria. Two members of Netanyahu’s bloc threatened to leave and move to the opposition if he gave in to Gantz on this issue.
- A most important issue was Gantz and his party’s attempt to replace the committee with its current judges (who were appointed by former and present ministers of Justice – right wing) with a law giving the Knesset (that includes members of the left) the right to appoint new judges to the Supreme Court, which Netanyahu and his bloc oppose. That would give the Supreme Court even more power than it already has to overrule government decisions. (The Court objects to the development of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.)
With the expiration of Gantz’s mandate to form a government, the just and fair thing President Rivlin could have done was to ask Netanyahu to form a government, which is common practice when the first person assigned fails to do so. Instead, he gave the Knesset 21 days to form a government by choosing any member it thinks could get the support of at least 61 members. If this fails, then the Knesset will dissolve itself and a fourth election will ensue.
As it stands now, it is unlikely that any member has enough support to form a government, so elections are most likely. Netanyahu’s party and the right bloc hope that this time they can win over Gantz’s reduced Blue & White party.
However, elections will cost the nation a lot of money, which it can hardly afford now that it continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic crisis.
Meanwhile, talks between Likud and Blue & White resumed this morning even after the task of the Knesset to name a Prime Minister wen to the Knesset, in the hope that they will be able to finally form a coalition and avoid a 4th election.
However, Likud negotiators warn Blue & White that proposing the legislation aimed at preventing Netanyahu from serving as PM will result in the immediate termination of the negotiations.
Please, your prayers are urgently needed. We ask God to grant our leaders direction, discernment and understanding, to ultimately carry out God’s purposes. We acknowledge God’s sovereignty and supreme authority, and ask that the leader would ultimately carry out His will and purposes.
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 NKJ
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