Bennett, who pushed out Netanyahu, "Prepared to be the most hated in Israel"

"Choosing Coalition Government to Prevent Further Political Chaos"
Netanyahu Opposes 'Rainbow Coalition'... "A Dangerous Alliance"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Naftali Bennett, leader of the Yamina Party who emerged as the next Prime Minister after ousting Benjamin Netanyahu, who had been in long-term power for 12 consecutive years, has stated that he reluctantly chose a coalition government to prevent further political turmoil, sparking growing controversy. Fierce criticism from Israel's right-wing forces, which form Bennett's political base, has raised concerns that the so-called "rainbow coalition" might collapse even before it properly launches.

According to local media such as The Times of Israel on the 3rd (local time), Bennett appeared on Israel Channel 12 and was asked how he felt about being called a traitor by existing right-wing supporters in Israel. He responded, "I have already told my children that their father will become the most hated person in this country," adding, "I chose a coalition because I could no longer stand the political chaos in Israel, which has gone through four elections in two years."

Earlier, Bennett formed an anti-Netanyahu coalition with nine parties, including Yair Lapid, leader of the Israeli center-left party Yesh Atid, ousting Netanyahu, who had been in long-term power for 12 consecutive years, and launched a new coalition government. This coalition, called the "rainbow coalition," included the Arab party Ra'am for the first time in Israeli history, drawing fierce criticism from Israel's right-wing.

In particular, Bennett, a prominent far-right politician in Israel and a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Netanyahu, faced accusations of betraying both his supporters and political mentor. Netanyahu also harshly criticized the rainbow coalition on Twitter, posting, "This is a dangerous alliance, and I oppose the entry of a left-wing government."

Netanyahu's Likud Party, which still holds the position of the largest party in the Israeli parliament, has emerged as a key variable. It is expected that Yariv Levin, Speaker of the Israeli Knesset and a Likud member, will delay the confidence vote schedule for forming the coalition to buy time, potentially shaking the coalition forces. The New York Times (NYT) analyzed, "The current rainbow coalition holds 68 seats, only 8 more than the majority of 120 seats in the Israeli parliament," adding, "If the Likud Party and right-wing forces unite to destabilize the coalition and some members declare withdrawal, the coalition's launch could become difficult."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.