The Personalities, the Parties, and the Policies behind Israel’s Political Crisis

Following the Israeli elections last month, President Reuven Rivlin tasked the frontrunner, Benjamin Netanyahu, with forming a new governing coalition. He has until May 4 to do so, with the possibility of a two-week extension. Given the fractious state of the country’s politics, it is far from clear how he will manage to garner the requisite support. In conversation with Michael Doran, Gadi Taub explains the various leaders involved in the current deadlock, the reasons for Netanyahu’s longevity, and why it has been so difficult for this skilled politician to form a stable coalition. Taub also discusses his disillusionment with the Israeli left, and his experience leaning right in social circles where the left dominates. (Audio, 59 minutes.)