Ten Months In: Evaluating the Bennett-Lapid Coalition April 11th

Posted by Tim on March 24, 2022 in Community Announcements, Event, Networking

April 11
7:30pm
109 O’Brian Hall

Since the latest parliamentary elections in March 2021, the world has looked upon Israel’s government wondering if the coalition would last. Almost a year later it is still standing and looks like it will remain intact until at least September 2023, when Yair Lapid is scheduled to take over as Prime Minister. Nonetheless, key issues remain that threaten the stability of the coalition. For example, recent settler violence in the West Bank, debates over the citizenship law, and balancing Israeli foreign vs. domestic policy, have all been contentious topics that have sparked inter and intra-party friction in the coalition. Furthermore, questions revolving around Netenyahu’s future in government threaten the sustainability of the coalition, as he is the paradoxical glue that is holding it together. With just a 1 seat majority in parliament, this coalition government cannot afford to lose one of its parties, or it will fall. Thus, these issues must be handled with extreme caution, or Israelis may head to their 5th election in two years.

Join us for a discussion with David Makovsky– the Ziegler distinguished fellow and director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy Project on the Middle East Peace Process. Dr. Makovsky has extensive experience covering events in Israel as a journalist, researcher, and advisor on peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians, and will provide crucial insight into the state of the Israeli coalition today.