Benjamin Netanyahu has secured the path to forming a government. The coalition he builds appears to have the votes needed to command a majority in the Knesset, with sixty-four members supporting the new administration. The partnership shifts signal a new era, as Netanyahu aligns with allies who share a conservative and religious outlook. The cabinet drawn from these groups mirrors a promise to lead with a decisive, nation-focused agenda that aims to balance security, economy, and social policy.
Netanyahu stated the goal clearly: a stable, effective, and responsible government that serves all Israeli citizens without exception. He insisted that groups with racist or homophobic platforms should not represent the entire country. The concern, however, centers on the wider impact for workers and residents in the West Bank, where more restrictive policies could affect daily life and livelihoods in the region.
Jewish political factions: Itamar Ben Gvir and the ultra-nationalist stance
After Netanyahu’s victory on November 1, the largest majority in years signaled a quick path to alliances. The outcome indicated public support for a rightward shift in governance. Still, the partners demanded firm assurances before endorsing the cabinet. Netanyahu acknowledged a history of legal charges, with many public figures weighing the political tradeoffs involved in forming a broad coalition.
The first major agreement involved Itamar Ben Gvir, a controversial ultranationalist figure. He has faced convictions for incitement to racism and support for terrorism. He is known for aggressive anti-LGBTQ+ activism and strong backing for settlers in the territories. Under the new arrangement, Ben Gvir would oversee national security as a senior minister, with authority over border policing in the West Bank and the national police within Israel.
In a separate development, Avi Maoz leads the Noam party, a far-right ultra-Orthodox faction. Maoz has advocated against LGBTQ+ rights and criticized what he calls family erosion. He joined forces with Ben Gvir as part of the Religious Zionism bloc. Maoz is positioned to direct a government office focused on Jewish national identity, serving as both Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the early terms. The ministry of education would fall under Noam influence, raising concerns about curricular content and school policies in public education. Yet many teachers and school leaders have pledged to uphold pluralism in classrooms despite these directives.
Religious Zionism: Bezalel Smotrich and the West Bank policy framework
Smotrich has called for expanding control over the West Bank and has endorsed policies aimed at reshaping civil life in the area. He has advocated for the expansion of settlements and has pushed for a streamlined process to authorize construction. During the campaign, he proposed increasing the number of settlers in the region while reducing bureaucratic obstacles. Smotrich has also expressed plans to hold significant influence in fiscal matters and national governance, though his past includes time in detention related to security concerns. He is expected to guide policy within a framework that prioritizes Torah values in public life.
Shas: Aryeh Deri and the finance portfolio
The arrangement with Shas places Deri in key ministries, initially Interior and Health, with a subsequent shift to the Interior portfolio and later a focus on finance. Legal questions linger regarding Deri’s eligibility due to a tax-related conviction, and parliamentary approval will determine his ability to return to leadership roles. The broader strategy appears to leverage legislative power to influence judicial matters and push through preferred reforms. The coalition’s success hinges on formalizing these agreements before a looming deadline, with the potential to redefine Israel’s political landscape for years to come.
The leadership of Netanyahu faces a Sunday deadline to finalize deals with all five partners. Absent a formal agreement, extensions could be requested from the presidency, but the trend toward a right-leaning government seems likely. The consolidation of power raises concerns about the treatment of Palestinian citizens and the peace process, making the coming months pivotal for Israeli democracy and regional relations. Cited from Reuters.