The next government led by prime minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu puts Israeli democracy at risk, according to a New York Times op-ed published on Saturday.
According to the paper, the new cabinet that Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu will soon swear in appears could be a danger to Israel's efforts to reconcile its Jewish character with liberal democratic values.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
"While Mr. Netanyahu clearly has the support of the Israeli electorate, his coalition's victory was narrow and cannot be seen as a broad mandate to make concessions to ultrareligious and ultranationalist parties that are putting the ideal of a democratic Jewish state in jeopardy," the editorial says. "This board has been a strong supporter of Israel and a two-state solution for many years, and we remain committed to that support. Antisemitism is on the rise around the globe, and at least some of the criticism of Israel is the result of such hatred."
According to the article, the position of the members of the government could make it militarily and politically impossible to achieve a two-state solution. The administration of US President Joe Biden, according to the newspaper, will have to do everything in its power to voice its support for equal rights and the rule of law in Israel. "America's support for Israel reflects our two countries' respect for democratic ideals. President Biden and Mr. Netanyahu should do everything they can to reaffirm that commitment," the paper said.
The American daily notes, in the process, that Jewish Power party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir was convicted of terrorism, that Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich is a fervent supporter of the annexation of West Bank territories, and that Noam party leader Avi Maoz describes himself as "proud homophobic."
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
