Israel’s parliament has passed controversial legislation paving the way for the return of veteran Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister.
Following his November 1 election win, Mr Netanyahu secured a mandate to form a government backed by ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and an extreme-right bloc.
Mr Netanyahu, 73, will present what analysts have said will be the most right-wing government in Israel’s history to parliament on Thursday.
On Tuesday, members of the Knesset passed legislation that now allows anyone convicted of offences but not given a custodial sentence to serve as a minister.
Before the law was passed, there had been uncertainty over whether Aryeh Deri, a key ally from the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, would be able to serve as he had previously pleaded guilty to tax offences.
A second law passed allows for two ministers to serve in the same office, a measure targeting the defence portfolio.
Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the extreme-right formation Religious Zionism, is to be the minister with control over civil affairs in the West Bank — a responsibility usually falling to the defence minister, who has yet to be announced.
The Knesset also voted to expand the powers of the national security minister, a portfolio set to be handed to Itamar Ben Gvir, another extreme-right figure.
Read the article in The Australian (AFP).