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Israeli inauguration as stormy as forecast

The swearing-in featured Likud and Religious Zionism lawmakers cursing and insulting the new government in a taste of what the opposition has in store for new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his shaky coalition.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images

The swearing-in of Israel’s new government on June 13 was one of the most turbulent events in the Knesset's history. The ceremony was interrupted with jeers from the new opposition. It was somewhat to be expected, given the political chaos in Israel for the past two years. The historic coalition was formed to put an end to former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long term in office. It achieved that one goal, but now it faces a complicated social and political reality that could bring it down like Netanyahu himself.

Usually a new coalition's balance of power and breakdown into blocs are clear, but not this time. The new government was approved by a single vote, with 60 Knesset members voting for and 59 voting against and one abstention. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and the members of his change bloc will have to ensure that they have the majority needed for every single vote. With a bellicose opposition led by Netanyahu, it will be a Sisyphean task.

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