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Published -
- September 18, 2019
- 2:08 pm
Benjamin Netanyahu
The centrist Blue and White Party, led by Benny Gantz, a former chief of the general staff of the Israeli army, is narrowly edging out Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud Party.
What are the corruption allegations against Benjamin Netanyahu and how have they affected his re-election bid?
In the upcoming Israel election, incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be facing his toughest challenge yet. According to recent polls, his Likud party is projected to win fewer seats in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, than the opposition Blue and White party led by Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid.
It’s still too early to say for certain who will come out on top in the April 9 election, but what’s clear is that Netanyahu is facing a fiercely contested race. He’s been in power for a decade and has become a towering figure in Israeli politics, but some voters are growing tired of his hard-line approach and corruption scandals.
Netanyahu is facing corruption allegations involving gifts from wealthy businessmen and backroom deals with media moguls. He denies any wrongdoing, but the accusations have tarnished his legacy and thrown his re-election bid into doubt.
At the same time, Israeli voters are looking for a leader who can address the country’s many challenges, from security threats to the high cost of living. Netanyahu has touted his record on the economy and security, but critics argue that he hasn’t done enough to address underlying issues such as income inequality and the occupation of the West Bank.
The Blue and White coalition, by contrast, has positioned itself as a fresh alternative to the Netanyahu era. Gantz, a former military chief, is seen as a credible and moderate figure who could bridge the gap between the country’s different communities. Lapid, a former finance minister, has vowed to lower the cost of living and tackle corruption.
While there are many factors that will influence the election outcome, it’s clear that Netanyahu is in a tough spot. He’s facing a strong opposition that’s energized and well-funded, and he’s dogged by scandals that could cost him the election.
At the same time, there are many Israelis who remain loyal to Netanyahu and believe that he’s the only leader who can keep the country safe and prosperous. His supporters point to his strong leadership during times of crisis, such as the 2014 war in Gaza and the recent exchange of fire with Iranian forces in Syria.
Overall, the Israel election promises to be a closely contested race that will have major implications for the country’s future. Whoever wins will have the daunting task of navigating the complex political landscape and charting a path forward for Israel in a turbulent region.
