Netanyahu unveils his far-Right vision: legalise illegal outposts, annex occupied territory

Hardline coalition stresses exclusive Jewish rights to land; vows to override judicial independence, crack down on Women of the Wall; ex-ambassador to Australia slams new government.

Netanyahu government makes West Bank settlement expansion its priority (AP/Guardian)
Benjamin Netanyahu’s incoming hardline government put West Bank settlement expansion at the top of its list of priorities on Wednesday, vowing to legalise dozens of illegally built outposts and annex the occupied territory as part of its coalition deal with its ultranational allies.

The coalition agreements, released a day before the government is to be sworn into office, also included language endorsing discrimination against LGBTQ+ people on religious grounds, as well as generous stipends for ultra-Orthodox men who prefer to study instead of work.

MARK SOFER, former Israeli ambassador to Australia, calls new government a ‘disaster’ (Twitter)

This new Govt Is a disaster of the highest proportions. It cannot, must not and will not last

JUDY MALTZ: Israel's far-Right government explained (Haaretz)
Religious Overhaul to Include Crackdown on Aliyah, Women of the Wall Ban; Israel's incoming government's coalition agreements represent a devastating blow to the cause of religious pluralism in Israel and are bound to alienate millions of Diaspora Jews

'Natural Right to the Land of Israel': Netanyahu Lays Out Far-reaching West Bank Settlement Plans (Haaretz)
The vague agreement says that incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will advance a framework to annex the West Bank, taking into consideration national and international interests

What the Haredim Won (Haaretz)
Agreements between Netanyahu and Ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism will roll back the previous government's reforms, introduce changes to the Law of Return and permit discrimination on religious grounds

Coalition deals include discrimination bill, judicial override, immigration reform (Times of Israel)
New Netanyahu gov’t stresses exclusive Jewish rights to Land of Israel, backs annexation in principle; presents its guidelines, signed deals with partners before swearing-in Thurs.

Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu, November 13, 2022 (AP/Maya Alleruzzo)