JERUSALEM — Israel embarked Thursday on an unprecedented snap election campaign — the second this year — after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a governing coalition and instead dramatically dissolved parliament. The developments were a shocking setback for Netanyahu, who had appeared to secure a comfortable win in last month’s election. Netanyahu, who has led Israel for the past decade, now faces another challenge to his lengthy rule. The new election gives the anti-Netanyahu forces in Israel, led by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, another shot at toppling the longtime leader. It also complicates Netanyahu’s efforts to pass the proposed bills to protect himself from prosecution.

Source: National Post May 30, 2019 06:13 UTC