Published: 8 November 2022
Last updated: 5 March 2024
Fears of increased violence and repression as post-mortem shows how the outcome could have been different with better strategy on the Left.
Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu has invited the leaders of his right-wing and religious bloc for individual meetings on Sunday in Jerusalem, as talks on forming Israel’s next government begin even before Netanyahu has been formally asked by the president to do so.
President Isaac Herzog is expected to task Netanyahu with the job within a week, after consulting with all elected parties, as is the custom. The decisive win for Likud and its allied parties in last Tuesday’s election makes him the clear choice.
A wave of concern is building over LGBTQI+ rights, gender equity and increased conflict with Palestinians as Israelis face the new government, which will include far-Right Religious Zionism and the Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism.
Aguda, Israel’s LGBTQI+ Task Force, posted information about its helpline in Hebrew and English, offering support to people who are worried or anxious about the situation.
Gay rights advocates are concerned the ban on conversion therapy could be walked back as part of negotiations with the Religious Zionism bloc, which includes the conservative Noam Party and is led by self-confessed homophobe Bezalel Smotrich.
On Friday, Netanyahu said in a statement that the status quo on LGBT matters will be preserved under his leadership and his government would not end Pride parades.
Nine women are expected to serve in the incoming coalition, compared to 30 in the outgoing one and there will be only 28 women in the Knesset, 23% of all members. The Haredi parties do not have any female representation.
There are concerns that this government will seek to limit abortion rights and set back women’s workforce participation.
Palestinian officials in the West Bank and Gaza Strip said the ultra-nationalist complexion of Netanyahu’s alliance is causing concern for an escalation of tensions. Netanyahu’s comeback came amid the deadliest spells of violence in years between Israel and Palestinians.
