Israel's fractious coalition government seems headed for a breakup that could spark new elections against a backdrop of security turmoil inside the country, disputes over nationalist legislation and a deep freeze in peace efforts with the Palestinians.
With little to gain from a vote that would come two years early, the country's top politicians could still pull back from a brink that none seem to relish. But the vitriolic attacks of recent days suggest another angry campaign could soon be at hand.
If that happens, it seems likely for now that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be returned for a fourth term. Despite sagging popularity amid economic doldrums and increasing global isolation, his divided opposition lacks a credible unifying figure.
Under Israel's political system, the leader is the elected parliament member who can show majority support in the 120-seat house.
Netanyahu's current coalition consists of a diverse array of partner parties that includes the centrist "Yesh Atid," which rose to power with promises of economic relief for Israel's struggling middle class; "Jewish Home," a hard-line party closely identified with the West Bank settlement movement; "Hatnuah," which was elected on a platform pushing peace with the Palestinians; and "Yisrael Beitenu," a nationalist party that seeks to redraw Israel's borders to rid the country of many Arab citizens.
His own Likud party is itself riven with disputes.
With little common ground, the competing factions have begun to squabble over a host of issues, including the budget, the collapse of US-brokered peace talks, Jewish settlement construction and how to confront a wave of Palestinian attacks in Jerusalem.
The differences boiled over last week when Netanyahu pushed a piece of legislation defining Israel as "the Jewish state." Although its 1948 Declaration of Independence already does this, critics say enshrining it in law would undermine Israel's democratic character, enrage the country's Arab minority, and possibly enable future illiberal legislation.
The dispute forced Netanyahu to delay a vote on the bill by a week, and officials say the vote is likely to be pushed back yet again.
Addressing his Cabinet yesterday, Netanyahu complained of the incessant infighting.
