The fall of government in Israel, who comes next?
Politics of Israel + Roadmap + Policy Bootcamp
Hello, hope you are doing well. This week’s newsletter talks about the changing politics of Israel and the upcoming Policy Bootcamp
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The Political Paralysis and Downslide
Israel is witnessing political turmoil as the Bennett-Lapid coalition government of one-year collapses. The country is heading for the fifth election in three years. What are the reasons that fuelled this upheaval and what is the next step in Israel’s political scenario?
The Political Upheaval
Backdrop, 2021
Back in 2021, Israel’s longest-serving leader, Benjamin Netanyahu was ousted by an 8-party coalition formed by Naftali Bennett of the Yamina party (new right party) and the opposition leader, Yair Lapid.
However, the government had won with a thin majority of 60 to 59 in the 120-seat Parliament. The coalition included parties of a wide political spectrum of the far left and the far right.
This situation of conflict of interest, within a year, led to a crisis among the members of the coalition over major policy issues ranging from long-drawn conflict over Palestinian statehood, Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, and issues concerning religion and the state.
Israel had occupied the Palestinian territory encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem since 1967. This is still a point of contention between the two communities. However, the coalition of 8 had a difference of opinion over these issues as some supported the occupation while others didn't.
Forwarding to the year 2022
Israel’s government already had a thin majority and was further thrown into crisis in April 2022 when Idit Silman, the chairwoman of the governing coalition quit. The months of April and June were tough for the government as they lacked the support of opposition lawmakers.
20th June 2022, Extending the Israeli law to the settlers
The coalition government failed to pass a bill on 20th June 2022. The bill aimed to extend regulations that apply Israeli law to the settlers in the West Bank.
It did not receive the expected response in the parliament due to differences between the ruling government and the opposition. This incident further weakened the government.
What comes next?
Political observers have stated that an alternative government can be formed without going to another election. As per them, Israel’s right-wing parties on both sides of the government-opposition divide might be under pressure to join together, considering the right-wing majority in parliament.
Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he will return to the office. “I think the winds have changed. I feel it,” he declared.
(Sources: Times Now, Al Jazeera, Reuters, Haaretz, NewYork Times, First Post)
Roadmap Of The Policy Bootcamp
Policy Bootcamp | Know the sessions (3-of-7)
Aabha Bakaya | Media and Policy
Media plays an integral role in the economic and social aspects of society. The session would elaborate on the process that takes place behind the curtain to get the news presented including facts collection, visuals, and getting the right people in front. The session would also touch base with analysis and representation of the Budget and how every factor comes into interplay.
Atul Khera | Development and Innovation
5 takeaways you will have from the session:
Articulate different kinds of organizations that fall under the development sector in India.
Know various United Nations Agencies and high-level overview of the structure.
Understand the role of Innovation in the UN and SDGs and practice design thinking processes.
Understand and utilise design thinking and innovation tools, along with its impact.
Seek insight about careers in the development sector in India and how the sector is evolving.
Technology and Policy | Salonie Chawla
5 reasons why you should enrol for the session
To know about Tech-Policy Space in India with regard to government policies and the digital economy.
Segments of the tech sector and how they come into the interplay.
Process of tracking and monitoring development in tech and its importance.
What requirements do tech companies hold while recruiting policy people
How to kick start your policy career in technology?
Note: You can enrol for the entire Bootcamp, or for specific sessions. To enrol click on the button below.
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