Special Coverage

The Israel Democracy Institute says the country holds general elections every 2.3 years on average.

"Netanyahu has accomplishments, but when we needed him the most, he was not there for us. We must thank him for his years of service, but we must move on," says Yamina head Naftali Bennett.

In an effort to bring down coronavirus morbidity rates, government approves two- to four-week lockdown that will keep Israelis within 1,000 meters of their homes. Education system to remain partially open despite Health Ministry warning move will render lockdown ineffective.

In a letter announcing his departure from Likud, Minister Ze'ev Elkin accuses Netanyahu of putting his own interests ahead of those of the country.

With over 500 people hospitalized in serious condition, Professor Nachman Ash says, "This requires an immediate lockdown." Citing current infection rate, Military Intelligence Directorate predicts Israel will see over 10,000 new daily infections by mid-January if no restrictions are imposed.

One can blame Netanyahu for bringing down the government and failing to honor agreements, but it is Benny Gantz who is responsible for getting us in this position in the first place. His lack of control over Blue and White was the main reason this government, and his party, have fallen apart at the seams.

Polls were giving Yamina the second-largest number of seats until Gideon Sa'ar announced his new party. Now, rather than replacing PM Netanyahu, party leader Naftali Bennett could find himself playing a different role.

Military Intelligence report warns that average number of new cases per week rising at an alarming rate, and the percentage of positive results is also climbing.

A poll conducted for Channel 12 shows Likud with 29 mandates and Gideon Sa'ar's New Hope with 18. Channel 13's poll shows Likud with 28 and New Hope with 19, while Kan public broadcaster shows Likud with 28 and Sa'ar's party with 20.

Israelis will vote for the 24th Knesset on March 23, 2021, shortly before Passover.