Netanyahu signs coalition deal with Israeli far-right
NBCNov 16, 2022
Israel: Netanyahu Reaches Coalition Deal with Right-Wing Party
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Image copyright: Ammar Awad/Reuters
The Facts
Israeli Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu's Likud party announced Thursday that it had achieved a coalition pact with the right-wing Religious Zionism party. This brings Netanyahu a step closer to forming a new government.
Likud said that the Religious Zionism party would be granted control of the Finance Ministry as part of a rotation, without giving details regarding the specifics of the arrangement.
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
Netanyahu and his extremist allies are just an extension of the threats Palestinians already face on a daily basis. The occupation will only become more brutal with people like Smortrich and Ben-Gvir in power, and peace or reconciliation with the Palestinians is impossible with these bad actors holding key roles in the government. Palestinians are right to fear for their future with these extremists at the helm.
Pro-Israel narrative
Though people like Smortrich and Ben-Gvir represent the fringes of Israeli society, Netanyahu has been clear that they will not be dictating the policies of the next government. Netanyahu is doing what politicians do, which is to form alliances and build consensus. Ultimately, Israel will remain a secular state, and it will not be ruled by "Talmudic law."
