Israel's designated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is aiming for a speedy swearing-in of his new right-wing religious government. The 73-year-old chairman of the right-wing conservative Likud party told President Izchak Herzog late Wednesday evening that his goal is to achieve this in the coming week. Formally, this must be done by January 2nd at the latest.
For the first time in Israel's history, extreme right-wing forces will also be involved in the government. In addition to Netanyahu's Likud party, the far-right Religious-Zionist Alliance and two strictly religious parties will be represented in the coalition. Several ministerial posts are to be filled with controversial politicians.
Netanyahu made the announcement of the successful formation of a government a few minutes before the deadline at midnight local time. After winning Israel's parliamentary elections on November 1, he initially had 28 days to do so. This deadline was later extended.
During his telephone conversation with Herzog, Netanyahu stressed that the new government would "take care of all citizens of Israel". Herzog wished him every success. He also reiterated the need to advocate for all communities.
The new government wants to implement far-reaching political changes - which could also play into Netanyahu's hands in his current corruption trial. A number of controversial legislative changes have already been introduced that are considered a prerequisite for a joint coalition agreement. This has not yet been finally agreed, Netanyahu still has to achieve this before the swearing-in.
In 2021, the Netanyahu era was considered over for the time being
The first official well-wisher on Thursday was Russian President Vladimir Putin. Netanyahu's office said he called Netanyahu and congratulated him on winning the elections and forming a government. The two politicians talked about other topics, especially the Ukraine war.
Netanyahu's camp won 64 out of 120 seats in the November 1 election. It was the fifth election in three and a half years. The former long-term prime minister is returning to power after a year and a half in opposition. In Israel's history, no one has held office longer than he. Netanyahu was prime minister from 1996 to 1999, then again continuously from 2009 to 2021.
With his replacement last year, the Netanyahu era was initially considered over. However, the eight-party coalition of his successors broke up in June due to internal disputes. The liberal Future Party of outgoing Prime Minister Jair Lapid came second in the election with 24 seats.
