Benjamin netanyahu to form new government
Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Prime Minister of Israel, has been tasked with forming a new government after the country's elections in March 2021. Here's a brief summary of the situation:
Background:
In March 2021, Israel held its fourth national election in two years, with no clear winner emerging. The election resulted in a stalemate, with no party or coalition able to form a majority government.
The Task:
On May 6, 2021, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin tasked Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of the Likud party, with forming a new government. Netanyahu has 28 days to form a coalition government, which means he must negotiate with other parties to secure a majority of at least 61 seats in the 120-seat Knesset (Israel's parliament).
Challenges:
Netanyahu faces significant challenges in forming a government. He must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries between various parties, including:
- Right-wing parties: Netanyahu's Likud party is part of the right-wing bloc, which includes other parties like Shas, United Torah Judaism, and Yamina.
- Center-left parties: The center-left bloc, led by Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party, includes parties like Blue and White, Labor, and Meretz.
- Arab parties: The Arab parties, which hold 15 seats in the Knesset, have significant influence and may play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Possible Scenarios:
There are several possible scenarios that could unfold:
- Netanyahu-led government: Netanyahu could form a government with a majority of right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties, potentially including Yamina and Shas.
- Lapid-led government: Yair Lapid, the leader of Yesh Atid, could form a government with a majority of center-left and Arab parties, potentially including Blue and White, Labor, and Meretz.
- National Unity Government: A national unity government, comprising both right-wing and center-left parties, could be formed to address the country's pressing issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges.
Implications:
The outcome of Netanyahu's efforts to form a government will have significant implications for Israel's domestic and foreign policy, including:
- Economic policy: The government's economic policies, such as taxation, budgeting, and trade agreements, will be shaped by the coalition's composition.
- Security and defense: The government's approach to security and defense, including relations with the United States and other countries, will depend on the coalition's makeup.
- Social and cultural issues: The government's stance on social and cultural issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and religious pluralism, will be influenced by the coalition's composition.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of Israel's government and its impact on the country's future.