Israel’s new government will draw widespread criticism

Significance

Even before the government took power, it faced widespread criticism from many domestic figures including Israel’s president, attorney-general and military leaders, as well as from the Palestinian Authority (PA) and foreign governments. The criticism has significant but somewhat unpredictable implications for domestic, regional and international relations.

Impacts

• Israel will move in the direction of an illiberal democracy if the coalition adopts promised policies that weaken state institutions.
• Israel’s shadow war with Iran is likely to intensify.
• The new coalition is likely to continue to pursue a cautious relationship with China.