From a historical perspective, the new government that will soon arise brings with it three significant tidings: The first is that after almost a year-and-a-half of uncertainty and three long and wearisome election campaigns, the government established in 2015 will step aside for the new one – a development Israeli citizens have been waiting for a long time.
The second is the end of the Netanyahu era. The prime minister on Monday signed the deal stipulating the expiration date for his tenure as premier, after nearly 13 consecutive years in power. Where Tzipi Livni, Isaac Herzog and Yair Lapid – veteran and polished politicians who tried presenting an alternative to Netanyahu – all failed, Benny Gantz, the political novice, succeeded, and in 18 months will step into the Prime Minister's Office.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
The third is the annexation of settlements in Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu is already etched in history as the longest-serving prime minister and very much wants to be remembered as the person who ended the Iranian nuclear threat. However, if he cannot accomplish this in the 18 months he has left in office, there's one achievement he will not agree to concede: annexation of settlements in Judea and Samaria and applying Israeli sovereignty over them and the Jordan Valley.
Ever since the Six-Day War, Israeli governments have applied Israeli law to liberated territories only twice: Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Netanyahu will be the third prime minister to do so and will thus have left behind a significant legacy.
In the emergency situation the country is mired in, there's no room to even think about another election. Despite the tempting polls and different advice he received, Netanyahu decided not to drag the country to another unbearable and unreasonable election campaign and signed the deal with Gantz, despite the heavy personal price he will pay for it.
Gantz, too, contrary to his former faction mates, understood the magnitude of the hour and made the most difficult decision he's had to make since entering politics, and apparently, at least for now, has also won the jackpot. While Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman will continue wagging their fingers and criticizing the move, Gantz on Monday received half the kingdom and responsibility for all of it down the road.
After signing the deal, Netanyahu spoke with Naftali Bennett and Rafi Peretz, updated them on its details and asked them to join the emerging government despite their apparent demotions. Regardless of the price, Netanyahu cannot give up on his partners. Yamina, in all its various iterations, has walked a long way with him, sometimes into the unknown and with harsh personal differences as well, for the sole purpose of keeping the right-wing bloc intact. It could be tragic for generations to come if the two sides ultimately decide to part ways.
Many momentous decisions loom ahead, which despite being postponed due to the coronavirus will return to the table in its immediate aftermath. Chief among them is amending the disastrous judiciary revolution, fixing the legislative, judicial, and prosecutorial systems and more. Although the new government taking shape won't rush to advance such changes, we can hope it at least won't reverse the little progress that has already been made.
It's a shame there's no one naive enough to actually be happy with this new conciliation cabinet. And although this is just one pleasant and innocuous clause in the unity deal, another clause, outrageous and infuriating, was also included despite the public anger. The prime minister needs an official residence, that's obvious. But why does his replacement need one too? And in a time of economic crisis with millions of unemployed and thousands of frozen mortgages no less.
