June 13, 2021
It really is the end of an era.
Ilan Goldenberg, Dir. of the Middle East Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, on Israel’s new prime minister and end of Benjamin Netanyahu’s term.
- Benjamin Netanyahu was in leadership for more than a decade.
- The new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, is known as a “far right” candidate, who has risen to prominence in recent years. He will serve for a two-year term.
Why It Matters: Israel is America’s closest ally in the Middle East; the change in leadership comes at a pivotal time as the Biden administration tries to establish itself in the region. Questions remain about how this change in leadership will alter Israel’s posture on a myriad of issues from stoking or quelling domestic tensions, to the continued conflict with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, to Iran.
Notable: Prime Minister Netanyahu aligned himself closely with Republicans in the U.S. government. Prime Minister Bennett said on Sunday, “My government will make an effort to deepen and nurture relations with our friends in both parties — bipartisan. If there are disputes, we will manage them with fundamental trust and mutual respect.”
Here’s a good read on the latest in Israel and what to know: USA Today
An interesting opinion piece by a trifecta of experts: Netanyahu’s On the Way Out. Here’s What Biden Can Expect Next.
by Jenna Lee,
