Israel narrowly swears in new coalition, ending Netanyahu’s historic 12-year rule

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. coalition / ˌkoʊ əˈlɪʃ ən / (n.) – a group of people, organizations, etc. who have joined together for a particular purpose or goal
    Example:

    The two political parties formed a coalition together.


  2. fragile / ˈfrædʒ əl / (adj.) – referring to a relationship that’s not strong or a situation that can be easily destroyed
    Example:

    The lack of trust between the two countries made their peace agreement fragile.


  3. ideological / ˌaɪ di əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl / (adj.) – of or relating to a set of ideas, principles, or beliefs
    Example:

    I read an interesting article about the ideological conflicts between different political groups.


  4. paralysis / pəˈræl ə sɪs / (n.) – the state of being unable to move, function, or act normally
    Example:

    The whole country is experiencing economic paralysis because of the widespread military conflicts.


  5. deadlocked / ˈdɛdˌlɒkt / (adj.) – unable to reach an agreement or decision
    Example:

    The two companies failed to sign a new deal after several deadlocked negotiations.


Article

Read the text below.

Israel’s parliament narrowly approved a new coalition government June 13, ending the historic 12-year rule of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sending the polarizing leader into the opposition.


Naftali Bennett, a former ally of Netanyahu turned rival, became prime minister after the 60-59 vote. Promising to try to heal a divided nation, Bennett will preside over a diverse and fragile coalition comprised of eight parties with deep ideological differences.


But the 71-year-old Netanyahu made clear he has no intention of exiting the political stage. “If it is destined for us to be in the opposition, we will do it with our backs straight until we topple this dangerous government and return to lead the country,” he said.


The vote, capping a stormy session in the Knesset, ended a two-year cycle of political paralysis in which the country held four deadlocked elections. Those votes focused largely on Netanyahu’s divisive rule and his fitness to remain in office while on trial for corruption charges. (AP)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Promising to try to heal a divided nation, Bennett will preside over a diverse and fragile coalition comprised of eight parties with deep ideological differences. Do you think that a coalition made up of people with such huge differences is too fragile, or is there a chance that it will be successful? Why? Discuss.
  • Israel finally ended a two-year cycle of political paralysis in which the country held four deadlocked elections. Why do you think Israel and many other countries right now are so divided? Is your country also very politically divided? Do you think this will get better or worse in the near future? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Netanyahu is 71 years old. Do you think there should be a mandatory retirement age for politicians? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Netanyahu made it clear that he has no intention of exiting the political stage and that he wants to return to lead the country. In the US, Trump has expressed similar feelings. Do you think these leaders should continue to try to return to office? Have any politicians in your country done the same? Why or why not? Discuss.