MembersWhen Will Israel’s Leaders Finally Break the Political Impasse?

The fireworks have ceased and the celebrations of Israel’s 73rd Independence Day have come and gone, and it is time to return to the nitty gritty of an intense season in Israeli politics.

Although Israel’s elected officials appear to be busy, neck-deep in negotiations to form a governing coalition and terminate the endless cycle of elections, little if any progress seems to have been made.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the first in line to receive the mandate from President Reuven Rivlin to form a majority coalition of at least 61 supporters. As Netanyahu jumps back and forth between the corridors of the Knesset and the court room, juggling simultaneously assiduous efforts to receive 61 votes to continue as prime minister along with defending himself against three criminal indictments, President Rivlin expressed the difficulty of his decision, stating that “it was not an easy decision, morally or ethically.”

“At this stage, none of the candidates have a realistic chance to form a government, however, the law...