Israel swears in new parl as Netanyahu readies government
JERUSALEM: Israel swears in its new parliament on Tuesday, as veteran hawk Benjamin Netanyahu advances talks with allies on forming a coalition which could be the most right-wing in Israeli history.
64 of the 120 lawmakers elected on November 1 have endorsed Netanyahu to lead the next government, clearing the way for his promised comeback after just 14 months in opposition.
The majority secured by Netanyahu’s Likud and its allies two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and the rising far-right Religious Zionism alliance - was expected to usher in a stable government, ending an unprecedented period of political gridlock that saw five elections in less than four years.
While the new parliament will be sworn in later on Tuesday, Netanyahu’s coalition talks may grind on for days or even weeks, despite the broad ideological consensus within the bloc supporting his premiership.
Frictions have emerged with different leaders jockeying for cabinet jobs, as is common following Israeli elections.
But Netanyahu is facing complex negotiations this time with the co-leaders of the far-right, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, in a position to demand key ministerial roles.
Two Israelis killed in West Bank attack
Two Israelis were killed on Tuesday in an attack in the occupied West Bank, with the Palestinian perpetrator shot dead, Israeli and Palestinian officials said.
“Following the initial report regarding a stabbing attack near the Ariel Industrial Zone, a terrorist arrived at the entrance gate of the zone and stabbed civilians in the area,” a statement from the army said.
“Other civilians were stabbed at a nearby gas station. The terrorist fled the scene and was neutralised afterwards,” the statement said. The Palestinian health ministry issued a statement about a man shot dead by Israeli forces at the site, without providing further details.