Netanyahu announces the formation of a new Israeli government

In Israel, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had formed a new government. This appears to pave the way for his return as prime minister, at the helm of Israel’s most right-wing government ever. The new coalition includes one far-right party and two ultra-Orthodox parties.

The 73-year-old Likud leader made the announcement in a phone conversation with President Isaac Herzog. A short video was posted to Twitter with part of that conversation. Netanyahu added that he was able to form a government “thanks to the great support we received in the last elections.”

Netanyahu says he intends to complete the formation process “as soon as possible next week.” He did not specify a specific date for the swearing-in.

In early November, the Likud party took shape Big winner from the parliamentary elections. So it appears that Netanyahu, who is accused of bribery, will return as prime minister. He actually held that role from 1996 to 1999 and between 2009 and 2021.

If the coalition gets enough support, Netanyahu will have a difficult task ahead. His coalition partners are pressing for radical changes, of course, that could lead to a major polarization of the country. Palestinians in the West Bank fear that the new government will increase its grip on Palestinian lands and dramatically expand Jewish settlement construction.

The intended coalition parties also want to reform the rule of law and implement legislative changes that will, among other things, lead to the dropping of the lawsuit against Netanyahu for fraud and bribery.