Biden 'looks forward' to working with Netanyahu after Israel ratifies far-right government

Palestinians expressed fear after Israel swore in the most right-wing government in its history

US President Joe Biden refers to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a good friend. AFP

US President Joe Biden on Thursday celebrated Israel's ratification of its new government under returning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel ushered in its most right-wing government on Thursday amid international criticism over its hardline religious and ultranationalist stance.

Mr Biden noted that he looks forward to working with his far-right Israeli counterpart, who “has been my friend for decades”.

“The United States is working to promote a region that’s increasingly integrated, prosperous and secure, with benefits for all of its people,” Mr Biden added, emphasising Mr Netanyahu's partnership on Iran.

The White House has previously dodged questions over Mr Netanyahu's right-wing politics, despite Mr Biden's leadership in the US centre-left Democratic Party and his criticism of far-right movements at home.

Israel's new government includes ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, an ultranationalist religious faction once on the fringes of Israeli politics, and Mr Netanyahu's Likud.

This week, the incoming government vowed to legalise dozens of settlements and annex the West Bank as part of its coalition deal.

The agreements also included language endorsing discrimination against LGBTQ people on religious grounds and stipends for ultra-Orthodox men pursuing education over work.

President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with members of the new Israeli government. Reuters

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara attend a toast for the new speaker of Israel's parliament. Reuters

Benjamin Netanyahu after the traditional group photo with Israel's new government. EPA

Benjamin Netanyahu during the first cabinet meeting of his new government in Jerusalem. AFP

New Knesset speaker Amir Ohana, centre, with his partner Alon, left, their children, and Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset in Jerusalem. AFP

Outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid attends a special session of Israel's parliament, the Knesset, to swear in a new government. AFP

Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the special session. EPA

Sara Netanyahu, centre top, Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Lihi Lapid, centre left, Yair Lapid's wife, and Esther Hayut, President of the Supreme Court of Israel. Reuters

Designated Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, left, and designated Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, right, at the session in parliament. Getty Images

Member of Knesset Aryeh Deri attends a special session of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, to approve and swear in a new right-wing government, in Jerusalem. AP

Designated Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir speaks at the swearing-in session. Getty Images

Protesters against the new Netanyahu government outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament, as it is sworn in. EPA

Israelis protest against the new government. EPA

Palestinians have already voiced fear about what's ahead.

“Every year, Israel goes to the right, but this is extreme,” Suha Salman-Mousa, executive director of the Haifa-based Mossawa Centre, told The National.

"We will continue to support policies that advance Israel’s security and regional integration, support a two-state solution, and lead to equal measures of security, prosperity and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians," a US State Department representative told The National.

Jordan's King Abdullah II, also a strong Washington ally, warned of “red lines” over Jerusalem in the run-up to the new government.

In an interview with CNN this week, King Abdullah said that there is “concern” in his country about those in Israel trying to push for changes to his custodianship of the Muslim and Christian holy sites in East Jerusalem.

“If people want to get into a conflict with us, we’re quite prepared,” he said.

“I always like to believe that, let’s look at the glass half full, but we have certain red lines … And if people want to push those red lines, then we will deal with that.”

US President Joe Biden considers Jordan's King Abdullah a reliable ally in the Middle East. AP

Jewish-American groups are among those sounding the alarm about Israel's extreme new government.

“The new government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rewarding some of the most extreme figures in Israeli politics with key roles, and is preparing to enact highly destructive policies,” J Street, a self-proclaimed “pro Israel, pro peace” organisation representing Jewish Americans, said in a Thursday statement.

“Now is the time for the US government, and friends and allies of Israel, to speak out — and prepare to take action to keep this radical coalition in check.”

Mr Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption, has attempted to play down the extreme ideas of some members of his government, including Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who leads the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party.

Mr Biden emphasised in his statement that “the United States will continue to support the two-state solution” and “oppose policies that endanger its viability”.

Washington has historically maintained a strong pro-Israel track record.

More than half of all foreign military aid that Mr Biden requested for the fiscal year of 2022 was earmarked for Israel, the Council on Foreign Relations said.

Under a 2016 agreement, Washington committed to providing about $4 billion to Israel each year, including $500 million for missile defence.

Following the Israel-Hamas conflict last year, the US provided an extra $1 billion in missile defence funding.

The Biden administration also moved to expand engagement with Palestinians this year.

Amid deadly violence in the West Bank, veteran US diplomat Hady Amr last month became Washington's first ever special envoy for Palestinian affairs.

Tyres burn as violence flares between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank following the funeral of Mufid Khalil in the village of Beit Ummar, near Hebron. AP

A Israeli soldier in Beit Ummar. Israeli forces shot dead three Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on November 29, Palestinian officials say. AFP

Mourners comfort the mother of Mohammed Badarneh, a 25-year-old Palestinian killed during protests as Israeli forces raided the West Bank town of Yabad on November 30. AFP

A Palestinian protester throws rocks in Beit Ummar. AFP

Israeli troops collect evidence after an Israeli soldier was injured in a car-ramming attack near the Israeli settlement of Kochav Yakov in the West Bank. AP

Items belonging to the Israeli soldier at the scene of the attack. Reuters

The Israeli army demolishes two Palestinian houses in the Jabal Johar area of the West Bank, near a settlement. AFP

Palestinian protesters take cover after a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. EPA

Palestinians at a house stormed by Israeli soldiers during operation to arrest a suspected gunman in the West Bank city of Jenin. A Palestinian man died of after being injured in the raid, health authorities said. EPA

An Israeli soldier aims his rifle at a Palestinian during violence in Hebron. Reuters

A Palestinian walks through tear gas during violence near the West Bank city of Nablus. EPA