For the first time in more than three years, Israel has a state budget. Late last week, the Knesset passed budgets for 2021 and 2022, averting elections and stabilizing Israel’s governing coalition. This development represents a significant victory for Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his government, and a substantial defeat for Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu’s hopes of an imminent return to power. However, Bennett and his partners still face the challenge of managing an ideologically diverse coalition with conflicting visions on fundamental issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In this Israel Policy Briefing, Haaretz journalist Amir Tibon discusses the future of this government and what to expect in Israeli politics moving forward.