Israel’s New Government

Beyond Your News Feed: Understanding Contemporary Politics

Providence College Associate Professor of Political Science Ruth Ben-Artzi joins host William Hudson to discuss the formation of a new Israeli government formed last spring. We discuss the March election (the fourth Israeli election in two years) and how its outcome led the long and complicated process that produced the new coalition government. This government, under Prime Minister Natali Bennett, consists of eight parties representing diverse ideological points of view and interests. Professor Ben-Artzi analyzes the challenges facing the new government and discusses the changes for this diverse party coalition to hold together. We discuss, as well, the fate of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his legal troubles, and the possibility of his return to power. In addition, we look at other developments in the Middle East, including the return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan.