Israelis were astonished a quarter-century ago when Netanyahu hardly defeated Shimon Peres to be named Israel’s youngest Prime Minister in its half a century history then.
25 years after the win and on the anniversary his appearance emergence, the longest serving prime minister addressed the nation while facing the prospect of an end to his career in politics. This may take place after Naftali Bennett, BB’s former assistant, declared his decision to enter a coalition government with leftist Yair Lapid.
Netanyahu described Bennett, the head of the minor right-wing “Yamina”, as having avarice for power who “just thinks about himself.” Netanyahu called Bennet’s decision the “fraud of the century.” Given Netanyahu’s previous political maneuverings, some Israeli political observers regarded the remarks to be more than humorous and reminiscent of Trump’s semi-failed “deal of the century.”
Bennett had previously stated that he was in negotiation with Lapid, only to retract his statement following Israel’s recent tensions with Hamas in Gaza. Bennett and Lapid restarted cooperation just after the truce was implemented between the two sides.
The leaders of the centrist Yesh Atid party and Yamina will aim to create a coalition government with at least eight parties ranging from the Meretz to Bennett’s right-wing Yamina. In order to secure a ruling majority in Israel’s parliament, they will almost certainly require the assistance of a minor Islamist group named United Arab List.
A large list of the most serious issues confronting Israel, particularly Israeli-Palestinian ties, will divide the coalition government. Bennett, however, stated in his address on Sunday that he is prepared to work with parties that have conflicting political ideals in order to keep Israel from leading to a fifth election in less than two years.
Bennett is expected to take over the premiership first, followed by Lapid after two years, according to reports. Before introducing his cabinet to Israeli President, who will also be a fresh in the office, Lapid must now legally sign coalition treaties with the major parties. The new administration must next be voted on and approved by the parliament before the inauguration and swearing in.
If the new administration takes the office and grip on power, Netanyahu will be subject to even larger threats than losing his position as Israel’s prime minister: a continuing trial and potential conviction for “bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.”
The prime minister has rejected all of the allegations, calling them a media-fueled witch hunt. He maintains on letting the matter go to trial, sure that it would fail. This is while local reports indicate that he affected the judicial process misusing his power and influence as prime minister.
According to political commentators, Netanyahu might escape indictment and potential prison time by choosing certain attorney generals or influencing the choice of particular judges who might affect his trial if he stays in power. Other observers claim he aims to implement a new immunity law that would shield an incumbent PM from prosecution.
Bennett and Lapid seem to have the momentum to create a fresh government and depose Netanyahu after more than a decade in office, but their new government has still a long way to go.
A short look at history of Israel tells us that things may shift swiftly and spectacularly. The new administration relies on a razor-thin majority, and a small malpractice might derail it. A terrorist strike or the breakdown of the ceasefire with Palestinians may totally alter the expectations.
The 12-year prime minister has been on the brink of collapse recurrently before. The Knesset session for the vote on new PM will be held on Sunday. Netanyahu might be the man in time of crisis, but the public pressure along with political sphere’s decisive steps might change the calculations. The Knesset session for the vote on new PM will be held on Sunday
