Israel's New Unity Government - Challenges

Why in news?

Israel's longest-serving PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, was sworn in along with his rival-turned-partner, the Blue and White party leader, Benny Gantz.

What happened?

• No single party in Israel has ever won an outright majority in parliament.
• Mr. Netanyahu failed to get enough seats in Parliament with consecutive elections.
• The rival factions were unable to strike a deal and assemble a ruling coalition.
• However, the rival factions recently ended a deadlock by joining hands.
• This happened after three consecutive snap elections and more than a year-long political impasse between the rival factions.
• As per the deal brokered, Mr. Netanyahu will serve as Prime Minister for the first 18 months.
• He will hand over the role to his erstwhile opponent Gantz for the remainder of the three-year term.
• Until then, Gantz will serve as the Defense Minister.

What was the rival party's stance?

• Netanyahu’s Likud party is right-wing.
• On the other hand, Benny Gantz represents the centre-left of the country, and leader of the Blue and White party.
• Also a former Army Chief of Staff, Gantz entered politics with the sole mission to oust the Likud party head from office.
• The two political stances are very different from each other.
• Benny Gantz proposed legislation to set term limits for the premier.
• In his election campaigns and during difficult coalition negotiations, Mr. Gantz was firm that he would never work under a PM who faced criminal charges.
• He was even ready to join a unity government with Likud, provided that Mr. Netanyahu stepped aside.
• Ironically, the judicial trial into Mr. Netanyahu’s indictment for corruption, bribery and breach of trust is yet to begin.
• The courts are also hearing challenges to his choice as PM, as Mr. Netanyahu could influence the nomination of judges and the prosecutor.

What are the contentions?

• The coalition partners differ on the extent of judicial authority and the role of ultraorthodox groups in the military.
• Gantz believes in protecting the independence of courts.
• In contrast, Netanyahu is accused of curbing judicial freedom under the garb of making judicial reforms.
• [The new government will also have to witness the corruption trial against Netanyahu.]
• Benny Gantz believes the annexation of occupied Palestinian lands should be carried out with an international consent.
• On the other hand, Netanyahu only believes it necessary to cooperate with the US.

What are the tasks ahead?

• Israel’s new unity government has ended a protracted political deadlock, but challenges remain.
• The government is likely to oversee worsening tensions with the Palestinians.
• This is because annexation of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank is high on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s agenda.
• Mr. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest serving leader who just began his fourth consecutive term, has already initiated discussions on this plan.
• A criticism against Gantz by his own centre-left supporters is his failure to secure a veto on the annexation of the settlements on the West Bank in the coalition agreement.
• Gantz is an advocate of a united Jerusalem and not a vocal supporter of a two-state solution.
• So, it is doubtful if Mr. Gantz would block Mr. Netanyahu’s annexation bid.
• But any move to annex West Bank territories, which the Palestinians see as part of their future state, could worsen an already fragile situation.
• The 18 months aspect in the deal is a potential grey area.
• This is given the uncertainty that would arise for the coalition from a judicial verdict against Mr. Netanyahu.
• In all, the months ahead will test the real strength of the unity government.

Source: The Hindu