Likud won 32 seats, giving in addition to 14 from far-right Religious Zionism and 18 from the two ultra-Orthodox parties – Shas (11) and United Torah Judaism (7) – a majority of 64 (three more than the absolute majority in the Knesset). , consisting of 120 deputies) that, if implemented, will lead to the most right-wing government in Israel’s history.
According to the Israeli press, Netanyahu invited the leaders of these political formations to individual meetings on Sunday, although an arduous task is envisioned in dividing ministerial portfolios.
Among the ‘ministers’ are the two leaders of religious Zionism, a coalition formed by the National Union and the Jewish Power Parties, an openly racist and anti-Arab force.
The leader of Religious Zionism and the National Union, Bezalel Smotrich, wants the Ministry of Defense, while the Supreme Leader of Jewish Power, Itamar Ben Gvir, called for the Ministry of Public Security to give control of the police to a past convict for racism or was involved in incidents where he was accused of inciting violence against Arabsdefending expulsion if they are “disloyal” and imposing a heavier hand on Palestinians in occupied territory.
However, the meetings Netanyahu plans to hold on Sunday are just the beginning, as there are still a few days left before the process to form a new executive branch starts.
As part of the protocol proceedings, the presentation of the election results to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who will receive leaders of all parties with parliamentary representation in the coming days so that they can recommend a candidate for the post of Prime Minister, is still missing.
It is hoped that Netanyahu gains the support of the four parties and that he can form an executive without major obstacles.
Thus, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history, with 15 years in power, will regain the position he lost in June 2021 at the hands of the so-called “Government of Change”, composed of a broad amalgamation of forces that came together to to remove him from power.
Source: DN
