Disputes over religion will test old Israeli alliances

Significance

This will be the second general election in the space of less than six months after Netanyahu abandoned efforts to form a coalition following April’s vote. That leaves the previous administration acting as caretaker for most of 2019, freezing major legislation and policymaking.

Impacts

• The army has proved it can function without a permanent government, so should cope with emerging security challenges.
• The government will not be able to address the growing fiscal deficit nor approve a 2020 budget until well into next year.
• The economy is performing well, so a delay in reform measures will not have a major impact.
• Netanyahu’s ability to protect himself from pending criminal charges has been reduced.