What if Netanyahu becomes interim prime minister? Will he lose the ability to start a war?
With the closing of the polls in Israel, attention turns beyond the identity of the next prime minister, to the future of the Israeli military decision-making process. If the results show clear progress for the opposition by obtaining 58 to 60 seats, and the ability of Netanyahu's opponents to form an alternative government is confirmed, the latter may find himself a temporary prime minister with declining political infiltration. Although it maintains its legal powers, making a decision to start a large-scale war may become complicated in light of the decline in political coverage and the calculations of the security institutions and the military. As for the upcoming results, they may leave him more room for maneuver. Herein lies the irony: the election results may determine not only who will rule Israel, but also the extent of Netanyahu's freedom to decide on war before leaving power.