Three Thoughts on Netanyahu's Third Stint as Israeli PM

Benjamin Netanyahu was already Israel's longest serving Prime Minister having served from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 until last year when he was defeated at the polls.

But after the collapse of coalition of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid which had been brokered with Mansour Abbas came Israel's fifth election since 2019. After less than two months Netanyahu cobbled together a coalition of mostly right-wing, religious parties. Here are three thoughts on his return.

First, I do share concerns that the new government will be decidedly anti-LGBTQ and implement measures eroding the rights of Israel's LGBTQ community. One of Bibi's new coalition partners is Avi Moaz of Noam who wants to, among other things, abolish Jerusalem's Pride Parade. For his part, Netanyahu has rebuked that vow as well as that of Religious Zionist MK Orit Struck who claimed the new government would allow doctors and health care workers to discriminate against LGBTQ community members seeking services. 

Nevertheless, Netanyahu needs these people to stay in office and might not have much choice but to go along with their agenda whatever his disagreements. But should that come to pass, so-called progressives eager to criticize Israel probably won't be so eager to tackle anti-LGBTQ sentiment in Gaza and The West Bank. Suffice it to say there won't be any Pride parades in Gaza City and Ramallah anytime soon.

Second, there is the strong possibility the new government will neuter Israel's Supreme Court by declaring the Knesset isn't bound by its rulings. Up until now, no one could serve in a ministerial post if they had been convicted of a crime. But a new law just passed allows people with criminal records to serve as government ministers. Surprise!!! Surprise!!! Surprise!!! One of Netanyahu's new ministers is Arye Dery of Shas who has a lengthy criminal record. Will the Supreme Court rule he cannot serve as a minister and risk the new government's wrath? Or will the Supreme Court acquiesce to the new law and relinquish its judicial independence thereby beginning the descent into authoritarianism? Unlike the anti-LGBTQ measures, Netanyahu has a vested interest in seeing the Supreme Court lose its independence amid his ongoing trial of bribery, corruption and fraud.

Finally, on the flip side, entering into this coalition does pose risks for Netanyahu. His new Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has a history of brandishing his gun. To this point, Ben-Gvir has directed his ire at Palestinians. That is to be expected of a man who idolized Baruch Goldstein. But suppose Ben-Gvir doesn't get his way in government? Will he point his gun at Netanyahu?

It should be emphasized that Israel has had five elections in three and a half years. There's always the chance the new Israeli government won't last any longer than the previous one.