By Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D
JERUSALEM — Some instances from the beginning of Israel’s new government:
Likud has picked on a law of family reunification in order to embarrass, and perhaps defeat the Bennett-Lapid government. It’s a law that prevents Palestinians, who marry Israeli Arabs, to acquire citizenship in Israel. It’s been on the books since 2003, but has effect only for a year. Thus, it has to be renewed annually.
It is something widely supported by predominantly Jewish political parties. But its current renewal has been opposed by Likud.
Why?
In order to embarrass the Bennett-Lapid government, which depends on the support of Labor and Meretz, who have had some doubts about the law, and Ram, the small Arab party that has opposed it.
The government has negotiated with Ram over detailed changes in the law, but is having trouble making something that will soothe that party and other opponents in the government.
Likud is also not united. Several members have looked for a way to support the law, perhaps in exchange for the government enacting something else, along with it, in order to facilitate Jewish expansion in the West Bank. Bibi has ordered his party colleagues to oppose the extension of the bill. His intention: to weaken the government, and perhaps collapse it.
Overall, it’s a mess that reflects the complexity of Israel’s politics.
And there are signs of potential splits in Likud. Former Health Minister Yuli Edelstein has indicated that he’ll challenge Netanyahu for leadership of Likud. And we’re hearing of party members critical of Bibi’s party management. They cite a bloated workforce, made up of party leaders’ staff members, a huge party debt, and a party leadership disconnected from voters’ concerns.
Some tension among the parties in the new government:–
Ram Knesset Members are threatening to vote against the measure for family reunification.
And after Gantz proposed the establishment of a committee of inquiry, to be headed by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, against the purchase of multiple submarines, both Gideon Sa’ar and Keshet objected. According to them, Benny Gantz cut short the discussion within the government about an agreement to create such a commission, And Sa’ar was concerned that the initiative ought to come from him, as Minister of Justice.
A disagreement about procedure rather than substance. As well as politicians’ egos.
A political hiccup, a sign of underlying tensions, and/or something that will blow over?
And now we are again preoccupied with Covid-19. Despite very high levels of vaccination, a number of cases came with those arriving from overseas, slipped into the schools, and have spread to 200 or more daily infections. Mostly young people, and most are moderately or slightly ill. Few hospitalizations, seriously ill, or deaths. But we’re back to required masks inside buildings, along with urging us to avoid overseas trips or large gatherings. Most tell us not to panic, but health officials are worried.
The arrival of tourists has been postponed from July 1 to August 1, and those wanting to visit relatives must comply with strict regulations from Israeli ministries. It includes certificates of vaccination, health exams, requirements of having first degree relatives here, and a period of quarantine on arrival. And new fines for those violating quarantine requirements. Citizens and residents can return to Israel, but only with documents and quarantine. Airport procedures are being tightened, to assure testing of all arrivals. And required quarantines. But what about the supervision of those told to remain in their homes?
And we’re hearing from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of harmony within his government, with its various factions agreeing to work together.
We’ll see.
There might not be great pieces of legislation. But we can hope for the government to stay together, pass a budget, handle some of the issues kept off the agenda by Bibi Netanyahu, and for the demise of Bibi as near king.
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Ira Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. He may be contacted via ira.sharkansky@sdjewishworld.com