The head of his internal security service Israel issued yesterday a rare warning of possible violence in the midst of one of the most politically charged periods the country has been going through for decades.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history, is unexpectedly expected to step down after 12 years in office.
Last Wednesday late at night, Yesh Atid center-right leader Yair Lapid announces agreement on forming a governing coalition, after the March 23 elections.
The new government, which is expected to be sworn in, is a diverse coalition of left-wing, liberal, right-wing, nationalist and religious parties, as well as – for the first time in Israel’s history – an Arab Islamic party.
Netanyahu warned in a web post that the coalition was a “dangerous left-wing government.”
According to Israeli media The vote in the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) to give a vote of confidence in the new government may take place next Wednesday or next Monday.
Some far-right groups are outraged by Naftali Bennett, the leader of the far-right Yamina party that is expected to replace Netanyahu as prime minister in a power-sharing deal with Lapid.
There are many posts and comments on social media that attack Bennett.
Prior to the election, Bennett had vowed not to join a coalition with the center-right Lapid or any Arab party.
“We have recently witnessed public debates with increasingly violent content and incitement to violence, especially on social media,” said Sin Bet’s leader, Nadav Argaman, without naming names.
“This public debate can be interpreted between certain groups or individuals as one that allows violent and illegal activities that can even cause bodily harm,” he said.
Ever since Bennett announced he was joining forces with Lapid, security services have stepped up his protection as far-right demonstrations have taken place near the homes of members of his party, hoping to prevent them from joining the new governing coalition.
Argaman called on political and religious leaders to show responsibility and set the tone. His warning reminded some in Israel of the days leading up to the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was shot dead by a Jewish supranationalist who opposed the Oslo Accords with the Palestinians.
The Israeli left has been accusing Netanyahu, then leader of the opposition, for years of playing a role in inciting violence that preceded the assassination. Netanyahu has vehemently denied the allegations and has repeatedly condemned the killing of Rabin.
Lapid and Bennett said they hoped the “unity government” they formed would heal deep political divisions among Israelis and end hatred.
A poll conducted on Saturday by Israeli television channel N12 on Meet the Press showed that 46% of Israelis support the Bennett-Lapid government, 38% would like to see another election campaign – within about two years – and 15% stated no preference.
Tensions could escalate next week as a far-right Jewish march is expected to pass through the Damascus Gate of Jerusalem’s Old City.
Eleven days of hostilities last month between Israel and Hamas were sparked by clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians in Jerusalem, in and around the Old City. A similar march of far-right Jews, whose course was diverted at the last minute, took place on the day the fighting broke out.
Clashes broke out yesterday in the East Jerusalem district of Sheikh Jara, where the possible expulsion of Palestinians in favor of Jewish settlers played a central role in the outbreak of the May hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Al Jazeera television reported that one of its journalists, Givara Boudeiri, was attacked and arrested by Israeli police while covering a demonstration in the area.
A police spokesman said Boudeiri had attacked police and refused to reveal her identity. Videos posted on the internet show three or four police officers pulling and pushing Boudeiri, who was wearing a “Press” vest.
Al Jazeera also reported that the journalist’s camera was shattered. She added that the journalist was released a few hours later and was barred from entering Sheikh Jara for 15 days.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
