Israel: Political Developments and Data in 2021

Abstract

The year 2021 can be described in Israeli politics as one of change. After 12 consecutive years in power as Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu left office. After four election campaigns in two years, the ‘Anti-Netanyahu bloc’ managed to form a minimum winning coalition of 61 Knesset members (one Member of the Knesset did not vote with the coalition). A rotation government was agreed upon, with the post of Prime Minister switching between Naftali Bennet, Yemina (right-wing party) leader and Yair Lapid, Yesh Atid leader (the largest party in the coalition). Bennet served as Prime Minister first, even though his party only had six seats in the coalition. During 2021, Israel experienced terrorist incidents and a major military operation, as well as severe riots in mixed Jewish–Arab cities. Economic performance improved as the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, with economic indicators being better than for other OECD countries.