Even before starting his record sixth term in office, the incoming PM has sought to quell fears at home and abroad his emerging government will endanger minority rights, harm the judiciary, and exacerbate the conflict with the Palestinians.
Knesset also passes bill allowing Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich to appoint an independent minister within the Defense Ministry to oversee construction in Judea and Samaria.
Isaac Herzog, who has traditionally remained above the political fray, reacted to the recent controversy over statements made by right-wing lawmakers on legislation that could in some cases allow discrimination against the LGBT community.
Orit Struck, a Religious Zionist Party member of the Knesset, said her party seeks a change to the country’s anti-discrimination law that would include permitting people to avoid acts that go against their religious beliefs, including discriminating against LGBTQ people in hospitals.
The clause was first introduced in 1985 to block the racist Kach party, led by extremist Rabbi Meir Kahana of whom Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir is a disciple, from returning to parliament. The current move appears to be a bid to allow Ben Gvir's barred far-right colleagues to run.
According to a statement from the PM-elect's office, the two leaders discussed a number of issues, among them the war in Ukraine. The Likud leader expressed hope a way would be found to end the conflict.
Although a date for the swearing-in is not immediately announced, Netanyahu is expected to return to power – as head of the most right-wing Israeli government ever to hold office – as early as next week.
“The Biden administration will hold the presumptive Israeli prime minister personally responsible for the actions of his more extreme cabinet members, especially if they lead to policies that endanger a future Palestinian state," US official tells Politico.
The incoming prime minister has until midnight to work out the last hurdles.
Although neither Blue and White nor Likud would benefit right now from a repeat of the ill-fated unity government from 2020-2021, it is clear that Benny Gantz has not shut the door on that option.
