Israel General Election 86% Counted... Netanyahu Victory Confirmed
[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] With the victory of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's faction allied with far-right forces in the Israeli general election virtually confirmed, concerns are emerging about the deterioration of relations between Israel and the United States.
On the 2nd (local time), The Guardian reported that the rise to power of the most hardline right-wing coalition in history is escalating tensions in the Middle East, including Palestine and Iran, and that the emergence of a far-right government will place a significant burden on Israel in international diplomatic relations, including with the U.S.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of Otzma Yehudit and regarded as the driving force behind this election victory, is expected to become a 'persona non grata' in diplomatic terms and a central figure of conflict with the Joe Biden administration in the U.S.
The Guardian assessed that Ben-Gvir will take on the role of Minister of Public Security in the new government and wield substantial power. Ben-Gvir sparked controversy in the 2019 general election with his racist remarks calling for the expulsion of Arabs "not loyal to Israel."
The Israeli daily The Times of Israel evaluated that while Netanyahu is the winner of this election, the crown was taken by Ben-Gvir. It criticized the new government, composed of a narrow right-wing coalition, for appointing Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party, to key positions, allowing them to balance power within the new administration.
It also assessed that the birth of the far-right government puts Israel's relations with the West, including the Joe Biden administration in the U.S., which supports coexistence between Israel and Palestine, to the test.
Robert Menendez, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a pro-Israel lawmaker, bluntly warned that if figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Smotrich secure key government posts, the deterioration of U.S.-Israel relations is inevitable.
During his visit to Israel in September, Menendez met with Netanyahu and expressed "serious concerns about partnerships with extremist figures like Ben-Gvir," adding, "If a government led by far-right parties is formed, there are concerns about worsening U.S.-Israel relations."
On the day of the vote count, the U.S. State Department stated, "We hope for respect for open and democratic societal values."
Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said, "The relationship between the United States and Israel is based on our shared interests," and added, "We hope all Israeli government officials share open and democratic values, including tolerance and respect for minority groups within civil society."
The Times of Israel reported that this statement appeared to be directed at Ben-Gvir.
According to the results with 86% of the votes counted from the Israeli general election held the previous day, the right-wing bloc led by former Prime Minister Netanyahu secured a landslide victory with 65 seats out of the 120-seat Knesset, far exceeding half. This is more than the previously predicted 61-62 seats from exit polls, overturning expectations of a very close race. The anti-Netanyahu bloc led by current Prime Minister Yair Lapid won only 50 seats.
Although the counting process for absentee ballots and others remains, both sides are confident about the election outcome. Prime Minister Lapid told his supporters, "It’s not over until the last ballot is counted," but also urged his party to prepare for a transfer of power.
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