Revealed: The to-do list of Israel’s new government
Benjamin Netanyahu's administration seeks to radically change Israel by strengthening its religious character and curbing the Supreme Court
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government was sworn in by Knesset on Thursday, revealing the final details of the coalition agreements between his Likud party and the far-right and ultra-orthodox parties.
While Likud held on to the most senior ministry portfolios, including defence, foreign and justice, the coalition agreements are largely seen as a big win for the ultra-orthodox and the far-right parties.
Here are some the measures the government intends to implement:
-Continue the “struggle” against Iran’s nuclear programme
-Passing an “override clause” that will prevent the Supreme Court from striking down legislation passed in Knesset it considers in violation of Israel’s Basic Laws.
-The ultra-orthodox community will receive a significant increase in funding, including yeshivas which will no longer be required to teach core curriculum such as English and math
-Advance a plan to deal with rising cost of living in Israel
-End recognition of conversions performed by non-Orthodox rabbis
-Act to increase Jewish immigration to Israel
-Amend the Law of Return. The ultra-orthodox and far-right want to nix the “grandchild” clause, which allows for individuals with at least one Jewish grandparent to immigrate to Israel
-Allowing the National Security Minister to change rules of engagement in Israel Police
-Reducing housing prices and increase amount out apartments will be a “national goal”
-Banning any display of the Palestinian flag by local authorities
-1 billion NIS will be earmarked for food stamps
-Expand settlements in the West Bank, which Netanyahu said Jews have the “exclusive” right to
-Change the discrimination law so that doctors and businesses can turn away patients and clients if it contradicts their “religious beliefs”
-Making Torah study a Basic Law, paving the way for a complete exemption for ultra-orthodox youth to serve in the army
-Annulling the kashrut reform passed by the previous government, which took away the Chief Rabbinate’s monopoly on kashrut certification
-Encourage the use of public transportation to avoid traffic jams on Israel’s highways
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