- National Security Minister returns after 3-week boycott over Gaza policies
- Coalition now controls 64 of 120 Knesset seats
- Move follows Netanyahu's compromise on West Bank settlements
Israel's political landscape shifted dramatically today as controversial lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir announced his Otzma Yehudit party's return to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition. This reversal comes just three weeks after Ben-Gvir withdrew his faction in protest of hostage deal negotiations, temporarily reducing the coalition's parliamentary majority to 58 seats. Analysts suggest the reconciliation signals Netanyahu's continued reliance on far-right partners to maintain power.
The compromise agreement includes accelerated approval for 2,300 new housing units in the West Bank, fulfilling a key demand from settler groups. Political science professor Daniella Weiss notes: 'This move strengthens the settler lobby's position while testing Israel's fragile relations with Western allies.' Recent polls show 62% of Israelis oppose concessions to coalition partners, reflecting growing public unease.
Regional comparisons reveal parallels to Italy's 2022 right-wing coalition, where Giorgia Meloni incorporated far-right elements while maintaining EU relations. Unlike the Italian model, Ben-Gvir's security-focused agenda includes controversial police reforms and stricter anti-protest measures. The Knesset Finance Committee quietly approved a 450 million shekel ($120M) budget increase for Ben-Gvir's ministry last night.
Three critical insights emerge: First, coalition stability increasingly depends on settlement expansion. Second, moderate Likud members face growing pressure from radical factions. Third, Biden administration officials reportedly delayed arms shipments following the settlement announcements. As nightfall brought renewed protests in Tel Aviv, political analysts question how long this fragile alliance can endure.