REPORT: Netanyahu Seeks Law Giving Him Immunity From Prosecution But Parliament May Dissolve First

The Associated Press reports:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urgently worked to break a deadlock in coalition negotiations Tuesday as the once far-fetched possibility of fresh general elections only months after April polls loomed ever larger. Netanyahu has until Wednesday night to reach a coalition deal, but he has been unable to convince ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman to abandon a key demand and allow a government to be formed.

There have been reports that Netanyahu is seeking legislation in the new parliament that would result in him receiving immunity from prosecution, and new elections would delay those efforts and may make it impossible. The dispute hinges on Lieberman’s demand that legislation he supports aimed at having ultra-Orthodox Jews perform mandatory military service like other Jewish Israelis be approved without changes.

Netanyahu advisers said to warn elections won’t give him time to secure immunity https://t.co/6tW3BtYZiG

— The Times of Israel (@TimesofIsrael) May 28, 2019

Tens of thousands of Israelis on Saturday protested legislation granting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immunity from prosecution on corruption charges. https://t.co/H3zwBbucYe

— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) May 25, 2019

Majority of Israelis oppose Netanyahu immunity push: pollhttps://t.co/1k7CQRrGMQ pic.twitter.com/JBhedAcZPj

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) May 28, 2019