JERUSALEM — Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu announced late Wednesday that he had successfully formed a new coalition, setting the stage for him to return to power as head of Israel’s most right-wing government since before to now.
Mr. Netanyahu made the announcement in a phone call to President Isaac Herzog shortly before the midnight deadline. His Likud party released a short video of Netanyahu’s smile and an audio recording of the conversation.
The move comes after weeks of surprisingly difficult negotiations with his counterparts, who still need to finalize power-sharing arrangements with Mr Netanyahu’s Likud Party.
However, Mr Netanyahu said he intends to complete the process “as soon as possible next week”. His inauguration date was not immediately announced.
Even if he succeeds, Mr. Netanyahu faces a difficult task ahead. He will preside over a coalition dominated by far-right and ultra-Orthodox partners to push for drastic changes that could alienate large sections of the Israeli public, increasing the risk of conflict with the Palestinians. and pushed Israel into conflict with some of its closest neighbors. supporters, including the United States and the American Jewish community.
