Netanyahu Poised to Return to Power
On November 1 voters in Israel went to the polls for the fifth time in less than 48 months. In an election widely seen as a referendum on former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his fitness to serve exit polls suggest a return to power for the 73-year-old.
Mr. Netanyahu currently faces several legal charges such as bribery, fraud and breach of trust – all of which he denies. Just a little over a year ago Netanyahu and his coalition were removed from power after having served as head of government for a dozen years.
What happened in Israel?
INSTRUCTORS: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos:
News Analysis:
Israel elections: Netanyahu in lead, exit polls say
BBC NEWS
November 1, 2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63459824
Israel election: Netanyahu may be able to build coalition with far-right allies, exit polls suggest
THE GUARDIAN
November 1, 2022
Israeli election: Exit polls point to Netanyahu win
ABC NEWS
November 1, 2022
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israelis-vote-political-crisis-grinds-92461170
Netanyahu on brink of comeback as Israeli exit polls point to narrow majority for ex-PM
CNN
November 1, 2022
https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/01/middleeast/israel-election-intl/index.html
News Articles (Analyses):
Will a Netanyahu-Ben-Gvir gov’t change Israel as a Jewish state? – analysis
THE JERUSALEM POST
November 2, 2022
https://www.jpost.com/israel-elections/article-721248
Exit polls give Netanyahu’s rightwing bloc slim lead in Israel election
FINANCIAL TIMES
November 1, 2022
https://www.ft.com/content/e2b91dfc-c5a4-47da-aca8-03533beb36af
Analysis: Israel’s far-right, the big winners in tonight’s election
i24 NEWS
November 1, 2022
With rise of Ben Gvir and Smotrich, Israel risks a catastrophic lurch to extremism
THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
October 27, 2022
Assessment:
Writing: What is the significance of Netanyahu’s return to power?
Debate: Should Israel’s allies apply pressure to Netanyahu to appoint moderate cabinet ministers?
Poll: Should the international community impose sanctions if Israel annexes the West Bank?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications if the far-right gains power in Israel?
QUIZ:
Exit polls suggest that Benjamin Netanyahu will return to power as Israeli prime minister. (T/F)
Benjamin Netanyahu faces several legal charges. (T/F)
Benjamin Netanyahu’s party won a majority of seats in parliament. (T/F)
Which of the following allies of Israel have voiced concern about bilateral relations if Religious Zionists hold cabinet posts under a Netanyahu administration?
- Russia and China.
- UAE and US.
- India and Pakistan.
- Yemen and Syria.
Which political party does Benjamin Netanyahu belong to?
a. Republican
b. Religious Zionist.
c. Likud.
d. Ultra-Orthodox.
All the following positions the Religious Zionist support EXCEPT.
a. Annexing the West Bank.
b. Altering the judicial system.
c. Territorial concessions to the Palestinians.
d. Deportation of those seen as disloyal.
