Israel's decision to hold a new parliamentary election in September, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to form a government after the April vote, poses a significant obstacle to U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan. Netanyahu's inability to secure a majority coalition, due to a dispute over military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, led to the dissolution of the newly inaugurated parliament. This political turmoil coincides with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Mideast envoy Jason Greenblatt's visit to Israel to discuss the peace plan. The upcoming Bahrain conference focusing on Palestinian economic development, part of the peace initiative, is already facing a boycott by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Netanyahu's legal troubles, with potential corruption charges looming, have also influenced coalition negotiations, as he seeks to pass laws that could grant him immunity from prosecution.

Following Israel's fourth election in two years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and the opposition are deadlocked, leading Netanyahu to court the United Arab List (Raam), an Arab-led party that could act as a swing faction. Raam's leader, Mansour Abbas, has shown willingness to work with both Netanyahu and his main rival, Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid. This marks a significant shift in Israeli politics, as Arab-led parties have historically been marginalized. Netanyahu's overtures to Raam contrast with his previous stance against Arab-led parties, reflecting his need to form a government amidst his corruption cases. Raam's split from the Joint List and its focus on socioeconomic issues over Palestinian statehood have positioned it as a potential kingmaker, though its cooperation with Netanyahu is not guaranteed due to opposition from right-wing parties.

Israel's struggle with enforcing COVID-19 lockdowns has highlighted a deep societal rift between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities. The ultra-Orthodox, or Haredim, have been defying government restrictions, leading to a failure in curbing virus spread and deaths. This defiance has sparked public frustration and debate, with secular Israelis and opposition leaders calling for equal enforcement of laws. The pandemic has exposed the Haredim's autonomy and political influence, raising questions about the future integration of this community into Israeli society. The situation is further complicated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reliance on ultra-Orthodox support amidst his reelection campaign and corruption trial.

Ethiopian Jews in Gondar and Addis Ababa, affected by civil war and the pandemic, await immigration to Israel, a promise made by the Israeli government in 2015. Activists and community members, including Surafel Alamo, criticize the slow pace and allege discrimination against African Jews. Despite the Israeli government's decision to bring 2,000 more Ethiopian Jews by the end of 2020, many, including Alamo's sisters, remain in dire conditions. The Jewish Agency has increased humanitarian aid, but the community's plight is said to be largely ignored. The issue has become entangled with Israeli politics, with accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using immigration for electoral gains.

The coalition government formed by Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz in Israel is facing instability due to disagreements over the country's budget, with Netanyahu preferring a one-year plan and Gantz advocating for a two-year plan. The dispute could lead to the dissolution of parliament and a fourth national election in less than two years if not resolved by August 24. Netanyahu is accused of using the budget battle to avoid his corruption trial and the agreed rotation of the prime minister role to Gantz. Public approval of Netanyahu's handling of the pandemic has declined, and while polls suggest his party would lose seats, he is seen as stronger in political chaos.

Arab healthcare professionals in Israel, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, are playing a crucial role in the country's fight against COVID-19. Despite facing discrimination and political challenges, such as hostile rhetoric from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their contribution is gaining recognition and praise. Arab Israelis, who make up a significant portion of the medical workforce, are volunteering for frontline duties out of professional duty and a desire to integrate into the mainstream. The pandemic has highlighted the need for full integration of Arabs in Israeli society and an end to exclusionary discourse. The situation has prompted calls for a shift in budget priorities from military to public health and a reevaluation of Arab Israelis' role in the country.

The Gaza Strip, already facing severe challenges due to blockades and a dense population, reported its first cases of COVID-19, raising fears of a humanitarian disaster. The health system, crippled by restrictions and economic hardship, is ill-equipped to handle an outbreak, with limited ICU beds and ventilators. International cooperation, including from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and organizations like the UN and WHO, is deemed crucial to prevent a crisis. Israel, which controls the borders and has been criticized for the health system's state in Gaza, faces its own growing number of COVID-19 cases. The pandemic has led to renewed cooperation on public health between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and there is potential for a long-term cease-fire with Hamas if humanitarian assistance is effectively provided.

Israel faces political paralysis as it approaches the possibility of a third election, with a caretaker government unable to address pressing issues such as underfunded healthcare, lack of a national budget, and security threats. The political deadlock is eroding public faith in political institutions, with a significant drop in optimism about Israeli democracy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz are engaged in a political standoff, with Netanyahu facing potential corruption indictments. Accusations of political maneuvering surround recent events, including the targeted killing of an Islamic Jihad commander, which some speculate was influenced by Netanyahu's political agenda. The public desires a national unity government but is divided on leadership, and there is concern that another election would further strain the nation's resources and stability.

The article discusses the dynamics of the upcoming Israeli elections, focusing on the Likud party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the centrist Blue and White alliance. Netanyahu, known as 'Mr. Security', has traditionally enjoyed strong support from conservative Sephardic Jewish voters. However, there is growing concern among these voters about socio-economic issues, such as housing affordability, which Netanyahu is perceived to have neglected. Blue and White, led by former military chief Benny Gantz, is attempting to appeal to these voters by maintaining a conservative stance on security while also addressing socio-economic needs and highlighting Netanyahu's corruption scandals. The article suggests that disaffected Likud voters could be the deciding factor in the election, potentially shifting the balance of power in the Knesset.