Israel’s president asks former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government. What could it mean for the country and beyond? 

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could return to power as head of Israel’s most right-wing government in history.

Final results show Netanyahu’s Likud Party and its ultranationalist and religious partners capturing 64 seats, a solid majority in parliamentary elections earlier this month.

It was the country’s fifth election since 2019. But while the strong showing could end the political gridlock that’s paralyzed Israel for the past three and a half years, the potential agenda of the new government could further polarize a deeply divided nation and risk antagonizing Israel’s closest allies.

Joining the discussion: 

• Amotz Asa-El is a senior commentator for The Jerusalem Post. 
• Abdel Bari Atwan is the Editor-in-Chief of the Arabic news site Rai al-Youm.
• Ariel Kahana is a senior diplomatic commentator for Israel Hayom. 
• Mitchell Barak is an Israeli pollster and political analyst.

Israel will swear in its new parliament on Tuesday, as veteran hawk Benjamin Netanyahu advances talks with allies on forming a coalition which could be the most right-wing in Israeli history ▶️ https://t.co/P6cg3I26Vm pic.twitter.com/oQy3O8rZzd

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 15, 2022

Israel’s president has officially tapped former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government. Sunday's step will usher the long-serving leader back to power after a one-year hiatus. https://t.co/5H5ZEsAig2

— The Associated Press (@AP) November 13, 2022