According to a report from the Hebrew news agency Tasnim, the Prime Minister faced a humiliating defeat when he sought support from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding VAT exemptions. This setback intensified as deep divisions within the Likud party were simultaneously exposed.
Behind this voting debacle lies a web of personal tensions, transparency issues, and fundamental considerations driving members of the Knesset. Netanyahu attempted to quell this rebellion, but what may seem like a fleeting incident could escalate into a catalyst for more ominous events, especially with an upcoming vote on a tax exemption bill looming.
On Monday, Netanyahu lost control of his coalition after failing to secure a vote on VAT exemptions for imported packages valued up to $150. The announcement of a ‘free vote’ aimed to mitigate damage to the coalition’s image, creating the illusion that the failure stemmed from a lack of party discipline, despite extensive efforts by Netanyahu and his allies to persuade dissenters to support the initiative.Even if Smotrich manages to implement his statement and reaffirms this directive, the implications of this vote are already evident: not only was the directive rejected, but the depth of divisions within the coalition—particularly within Likud—has become glaringly apparent.
Such a rebellion within Likud would have been unlikely during the early stages of his premiership. However, amid the uncertainty surrounding the coalition’s survival and the anticipated Likud primary elections in the next two to four months (depending on the timing of the general elections), coalition discipline has severely weakened, shifting to the bottom of many Knesset members’ priorities.
Today, a palpable rebellion is underway in Likud, fueled by personal relationships, political rivalries, fundamental considerations, and a sense of liberation among those who feel they have little left to lose. Leading this insurgent faction in Likud is David Bitan, who has been in continuous political competition with Netanyahu throughout this period. The tension between them escalated recently over disputes regarding the Likud conference.Bitan successfully integrated many new members into Likud’s core during the recent conference elections. Consequently Netanyahu is attempting to postpone the announcement of results and the holding of a new core party conference until after the general elections in a bid to safeguard his political standing.
