A far-right Israeli government aimed at expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and pursuing other policies that garnered criticism at home and abroad was sworn in on Thursday, cementing Benjamin Netanyahu’s return as prime minister.
The veteran leader, who is on trial on corruption charges he denies, has sought to allay fears about the fate of civil rights and diplomacy since his bloc of nationalist and religious parties won a parliamentary majority in the November 1 elections.
Its allies include the Religious Zionism and Jewish Force parties, which oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state and whose leaders, both West Bank settlers, have in the past undermined Israel’s justice system, Arab minority and LGBT rights.
Netanyahu has repeatedly pledged to promote tolerance and seek peace in an attempt to fend off criticism of his coalition.
In a speech to parliament, he said that “ending the Arab-Israeli conflict” along with curbing Iran’s nuclear program and increasing Israel’s military capacity is his priority.
The opposition criticized him, and some said, “Weak! Weak!” They say Netanyahu had to make expensive deals to get new partners after centrist parties boycotted him because of his legal problems.
For Palestinians, Netanyahu’s rise overshadowed an already bleak outlook.
After a year of increased violence in the West Bank, Jewish settlements are now poised to expand into land where Palestinians hope to establish a future state.
Netanyahu’s conservative Likud party said the government would “promote and develop settlements” in areas “to which the Jewish people have an exclusive and indisputable right”.
Most world powers consider it illegal to build settlements on lands captured in wars.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.