Parliamentary elections take place every four years. The next poll is not due until 2013. However, an earlier election could be triggered by a number of events, including the prime minister's resignation or the government's defeat on a no-confidence motion in the Knesset. Given the volatile nature of Israeli politics, it would be remarkable indeed if the current coalition were to complete its full term; no government has done so since 1984-88. The departure of either Yisrael Beiteinu, with its 15 seats, or Shas, with its 11 seats, would mean that Mr Netanyahu would automatically lose his majority.