Binyamin Netanyahu – it’s a government, at last
Binyamin Netanyahu has signed formed a coalition government to remain the prime minister of Israel. This will give him the authority to confront president Obama next week as the leader of Israel. I suspect that the terms Obama thought he would dictate to Israel next weeks are now “under review”. But then again, Obama’s arrogance knows no boundaries (or borders).
David DeGerolamo
Netanyahu signs deal for new coalition government
After weeks of tough haggling, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s third government was in the bag Friday, March 15, having finally signed deals with two political newcomers, Yair Lapid (centrist Yesh Atid – Future) and Naftali Bennett (pro-settlement Habayit Hayehudi – Jewish Home). Both insisted on the new lineup excluding the ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties from the government for the first time in a decade, stipulating an end to the draft exemptions and welfare subsidies traditionally extended to them.
Shas and Torah Judaism now join Labor on the opposition benches.
The new government will be presented to President Shimon Peres Saturday night and sworn in Monday, March 18, two days before President Barack Obama arrives for a visit.
Although Netanyahu’s Likud-Israeli Beitenu came out of the Jan. 22 election as the largest faction, it only garnered a disappointing 31 seats (in the 120-member Knesset). For a 61 majority, the prime minister was forced to part with a larger slice of government than his own party liked in the lengthy negotiations with Lapid and Bennett.
Yesh Atid, which is committed to improving the lot of the middle class, has gained five ministries, including Finance for Lapid and Education for Shay Piron, who plans major reforms in the curriculum. Members of Lapid’s party are also assigned Social Welfare, Health and Science and Technology as well as the chair of the Knesset committee for promoting equality for women.
