Jerusalem: After nearly two months of coalition talks, Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu has set a vote in parliament for his new government on Thursday, December 29.
Despite scoring a landslide victory in last month's parliamentary elections, Netanyahu's coalition of right-wing and religious parties has struggled more than expected to reach agreement with its allies.
Netanyahu has struggled to meet the demands of his allies, who have sought a greater share of power in return for their support, despite campaigning together.
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Netanyahu will have to formally introduce members of his cabinet and formally swear in the new administration before parliament votes on it.
Israel's longest-serving prime minister has promised to lead for all Israelis, but he will head one of the most right-wing governments in its history, with hardliners holding key ministries.
While Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party would have broad powers to allow the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Jewish Power Party, would exercise control over the police in his capacity as security minister.
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Both oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state and support expanding Israeli control over the West Bank, creating another obstacle to a two-state solution that has been criticized by Palestinian officials as well as the US and Europe. Governments are supported.
Smotrich and Aryeh Deri, both members of the religious Shas party, are expected to jointly share the finance ministry for two years. Derry's appointment is contingent on parliamentary approval of a legal change that would allow him to serve despite a tax fraud conviction.
Liberal Israel is also concerned by comments made by some other coalition party members in favor of allowing certain businesses to refuse services to customers on the basis of their religion.
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According to President Isaac Herzog, head of state who lives outside of day-to-day politics, threats to the rights of Israeli citizens based on their identity or values would be contrary to Israel's democratic and moral traditions.
Herzog, whose role is largely symbolic, said on Twitter that "a situation where citizens of Israel fear threats against them based on their identity or values goes against Israel's basic democratic and moral principles."