Masoud Edrisi, Iran’s former ambassador to Lebanon
The new Israeli cabinet is set to be inaugurated today with a lineup that has caused concern domestically and abroad in the United States and Europe. During the latest parliamentary elections, for the first time in Israel’s history, far-right parties secured a majority to form a cabinet without a coalition with other parties.
Radicalism is the defining characteristic of Benjamin Netanyahu’s new cabinet, prompting many observers to describe it as dangerous. Yair Lapid, the outgoing prime minister, called the upcoming cabinet “the most corrupt ever,” in which Itamar Ben-Gvir, one of Israel’s most hardline politicians, is set to take over as public security minister.
Some of the extremists in the new cabinet believe that the occupied West Bank should be annexed and categorically reject the idea of a two-state solution. They seek to build more settlements in Palestinian territories.
Inside Israel, even moderate parties feel threatened by this cabinet. Some Israelis are reportedly migrating to the United States, fearing a possible escalation of conflicts. Outgoing Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned that the new cabinet was extreme and dangerous to “society, dangerous for security, and there will be international damage.”
Israel is expected to face security tensions both internally and in the region. Such a situation would reveal Israel’s true colors to global public opinion.
Netanyahu has threatened to take action against Iran even without U.S. cooperation. Such threats appear to be bluff because he knows that conflict with Iran would cost Israel dearly. However, Israel’s mischief against Iran and the Palestinian groups would increase, which, of course, would be met with appropriate responses.
Netanyahu is also optimistic about completing the normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia, but it cannot occur quickly as the Arab kingdom strongly backs the two-state solution.
In the international arena, even the U.S. and Europe, who have shown unwavering support for Israel, are worried about the nature of the new extremist cabinet.
Moreover, there is a possibility of infighting within the cabinet; it is predicted that the new government will not complete a full four-year term.
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