Coalition building continues with Likud Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu offering Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who received a plurality of votes, significant cabinet positions such as defense alongside the foreign ministry. However, Livni still intends to attempt to form a coalition after receiving support from left-wing voters intent on preventing a Netanyahu victory. Meanwhile, Yisrael Beitenu chief Avigdor Lieberman decided whom he intends to support for the premiership, although he remains tight-lipped before meeting President Shimon Peres to announce his decision. Kingmaker Lieberman could receive a major cabinet position in the next government, including Treasury. However, Israeli police are currently investigating Lieberman for accusations of money laundering and fraud.
A Wall Street Journal editorial today praises Israel for its democratic electoral process and explains the right-ward shift in the elections by citing security concerns. A Financial Times editorial claims that the election results explain a fragmented society that has virtually “given up on peace” due to the current tension in the region. Conversely, in an interview with Democracy Now!, Israeli Prof. Neve Gordon and Palestinian democracy activist and 2005 PA Chairman Runner-up Mustafa Barghouti fiercely criticize the right-leaning trend. However, their critiques and assertions, primarily targeting the votes received by Yisrael Beitenu as supporting fascism and racism, desregard the number of votes received by Arab parties and those advocating Arab rights. Further, a majority of the seats in the next Knesset, including Yisrael Beitenu, support the creation of a Palestinian state, hardly characteristic of a fascist regime aimed at oppressing certain populations. Regardless, the entire process of free and open elections is no small feat for the Middle East and should be praised for the process.
