Israel's new government is historic - opinion

• Author: AHMED CHARAI
• Published date: 15 June 2021
• Date: 15 June 2021

Naftali Bennett replaced him as prime minister. He is taking power at a delicate moment in Israel's history. Yair Lapid, a centrist leader and the new foreign minister, is set to take Bennett's place after two years.

Bennett and his partners pieced together a coalition from across the political spectrum, including an independent Arab party for the first time in Israel's history, after Netanyahu failed to form a government following the most recent vote in March. The one force that unites the coalition, an antipathy toward Netanyahu, is fading now that they have power and responsibility.

The new Israeli government will focus on restoring Israel's traditional approach of seeking bipartisan American support after years of tension with American Democrats. In a statement, US President Biden said, "I look forward to working with Prime Minister Bennett to strengthen all aspects of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations."

"Thank you Mr. President!" Bennett replied on Twitter. "I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations." In his earlier speech to Parliament, however, Mr. Bennett hinted at disagreements to come, promising to continue Israel's opposition to forging a new nuclear deal with Iran.

The Israeli are concerned also with domestic issues. Can the fragile and diverse ruling coalition survive? Will it accomplish any of its bold domestic reform agenda, from confirming judges to spurring economic growth? The different parties have indeed deep ideological differences, but they have said they wouldn't try to solve major pre-existing issues and instead focus on improving the everyday lives of Israeli citizens.

However, the most important issue is a simple fact. For the first time since Israel's formation in 1948, elected Arab leaders have not only lent their votes to a governing coalition, but joined it. Traditionally, Arab parties have not been directly involved in Israeli governments. They have been largely rejected by other Israeli parties or they believed that their own voters wanted opposition, elegant dissent, not participation in the compromises of democracy.

After decades of political marginalization, many Palestinian citizens living west of the "Green Line," who make up one-fifth...