Netanyahu formally returns as Israel’s prime minister, protests ensue

UPI-

 Benjamin Netanyahu formally became prime minister of Israel again, starting his record-setting sixth term in leading the nation with arguably its most conservative government in ages.

Netanyahu and his Lapid Party spent weeks building a governing coalition with right-wing parties, replacing a government mixed with moderates, anti-Netanyahu conservatives and Arabs that eventually fell apart.

Feelings appeared to still be raw with Netanyahu’s return with the outgoing prime minister, moderate Yair Lapid, leaving the plenum without shaking his hand during the swearing-in. Netanyahu had also refused to hold the traditional transfer-of-power ceremony with Lapid.

Opponents argue that Netanyahu’s government has already made strides to restrict the rights of minorities, alter the system of governmental checks and balances, hollow out the Israeli judiciary, exert influence over the army and security forces, and allow harsher treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories.

Yael German, an ally of Lapid’s, resigned as Israel’s ambassador to France in protest of Netanyahu’s government.

“Sadly, the government you established and lead includes representatives of parties whose extreme positions are expressed in its guidelines, in its policies, and in statements on legislation — illegitimate legislation in my eyes — it intends to pass,” German wrote in her resignation letter.