Israeli Election: Netanyahu Returns, Vowing to Tackle Inflation and Iran

Introduction:

On November 1, 2022, Israel held its fifth election in less than four years. After a contentious campaign, the right-wing bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu emerged victorious, securing a slim majority in the Knesset, Israel's parliament.

Netanyahu's Victory:

Netanyahu, a former prime minister who served from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021, made a resounding comeback. His Likud party won the most seats, securing 32 mandates in the 120-member Knesset. Netanyahu's return to power is a testament to his enduring popularity among a significant portion of the Israeli electorate.

Coalition Formation:

To form a stable government, Netanyahu will need to cobble together a coalition with other right-wing parties. Potential partners include the ultra-nationalist Religious Zionism party, the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, and the United Torah Judaism party.

Key Priorities:

Netanyahu has outlined several key priorities for his incoming government. These include:

Tackling Inflation: Israel is currently facing rising inflation, which has put a strain on households. Netanyahu has pledged to take steps to reduce inflation and ease the cost of living.
Countering Iran: Iran is viewed as a major security threat by Israel. Netanyahu has vowed to toughen Israel's stance towards Iran and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.
Expanding Settlements: Netanyahu is a supporter of expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. This policy is opposed by the international community and the Palestinian Authority.
Restricting Palestinian Autonomy: Netanyahu has also indicated that he intends to restrict Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank. This could further escalate tensions in the region.
Strengthening the Military: Netanyahu has pledged to strengthen Israel's military to ensure its security against its enemies.
Improving Diplomatic Relations: Netanyahu has expressed a desire to improve diplomatic relations with various countries, particularly in the Middle East.

Challenges Ahead:

Netanyahu's new government will face several challenges, including:

Coalition Instability: Netanyahu's coalition partners hold differing views on various issues, which could lead to disagreements and instability within the government.
Economic Uncertainty: The global economic outlook is uncertain, which could have implications for Israel's economy.
Regional Tensions: The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians remains unresolved, and tensions with neighboring countries persist.

Impact on Israel-US Relations:

The election of Netanyahu has raised questions about the future of Israel-US relations. Netanyahu has criticized US policy towards Iran, and his government may be less willing to cooperate with the Biden administration on certain issues.

Conclusion:

The return of Benjamin Netanyahu as Israeli prime minister marks a significant change in the country's political landscape. Netanyahu's right-wing agenda will have implications for domestic and foreign policy, as well as for Israel's relations with its neighbors and the United States. The stability and success of Netanyahu's new government will depend on his ability to navigate the challenges ahead and forge a stable coalition.