Status: 22.12.2022 8:08 a.m
Israel’s longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reported success shortly before a deadline to form a new government. In the future he wants to govern the country with a right-wing religious coalition.
Israel’s designated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has succeeded in forming a right-wing religious coalition government. This was announced by the chairman of the right-wing conservative Likud party to President Izchak Herzog shortly before a deadline, as a spokesman confirmed.
Netanyahu is now striving for a speedy swearing-in of the new government. If possible, this should happen as early as next week. Formally, the new government would have to be sworn in by January 2nd.
In his conversation with Herzog, Netanyahu reiterated that the future government would “take care of all citizens of Israel.” The President also emphasized the need to work for all sections of the population. “I hope that you will all commit to this task,” the dpa news agency quoted Herzog as saying.
Right-wing extremists involved in government
Negotiations between the future coalition partners were still ongoing. For the first time in Israel’s history, extreme right-wing forces will also be involved in the government. In addition to Netanyahu’s right-wing conservative Likud party, the far-right Religious-Zionist Alliance and two strictly religious parties will be represented in the coalition. It is the most right-wing government Israel has ever had.
The new government wants to implement far-reaching political changes that could also play into Netanyahu’s hands in his ongoing corruption trial. A number of controversial legislative changes have already been introduced that are considered a prerequisite for a joint coalition agreement.
Coalition after fifth election within a short time
Netanyahu’s camp won 64 out of 120 seats in the November 1 election. He then had 28 days to form a new government. This deadline was extended again by ten days.
It was the fifth election in Israel in three and a half years. The former long-term prime minister is returning to power after a year and a half in opposition. In Israel’s history, no one has held office longer than he.
The 73-year-old right-wing conservative politician was Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999, then again continuously from 2009 to 2021. With his replacement last year, the Netanyahu era was initially considered over. However, the eight-party coalition of his successors broke up in June due to internal disputes. The liberal Future Party of outgoing Prime Minister Jair Lapid came second in the election with 24 seats.
Coalition partner announces radical program
Netanyahu’s ultra-right coalition partner, Bezalel Smotrich, announced a radical program ahead of the election, including a repeal of the Case against Netanyahu could cause. He wants to significantly weaken the judicial system.
Smotrich is also considered a fervent advocate of settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. In the future, his party is to have far-reaching influence over the administration of the West Bank and is striving for the legalization of further settlements.
The new government also wants to introduce what is known as an overcoming clause. This would allow a majority of the Knesset to pass laws even if the Supreme Court deems them illegal. Experts warn that the implementation will de facto abolish the separation of powers and Israel’s democracy would be jeopardized. In the past, the right-wing religious camp had repeatedly accused the court of activism and interference in political decisions.