Benjamin Netanyahu has once again become prime minister of Israel in the country’s fifth election in less than four years. Yair Lapid conceded defeat after nearly all the votes were counted, allowing the 73-year-old Netanyahu to claim victory in the election. “The State of Israel comes before any political consideration,” Lapid said. “I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu’s return to the executive office came as his Likud Party formed a political alliance with two other political parties known as Jewish Power and Religious Zionism. Religious Zionism and its allies have weathered claims that they are extremists who will target the nation’s minority Arab community, and the LGBT community if they take power. “We’re not going to hammer anyone,” said MK Orit Strock, a member of Religious Zionism. “We will serve all citizens, including those who do not think like us and whose lifestyles are different.”

Strock did say that her party wants to “bring order to the public space,” apparently taking issue with lewd, vulgar and pornographic aspects of LGBT pride events. “Regardless of pride, there shouldn’t be marches of people walking down the street naked or half naked,” she added. “The problem is with years-long efforts, not just here but around the world, to force things on the public.”

The Jewish News Syndicate reported that the total number of seats for the coalition government had decreased from an expected 65 seats to 64. Nevertheless, the JNS added, Netanyahu only needed 61 seats to have a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. This gives the group a solid majority that, barring any major break, should allow them to remain in power for the foreseeable future, something that has not occurred in recent years in Israel.

The election news was not met with excitement in some circles due to Netanyahu’s past legal problems. In 2019, Netanyahu became the first sitting prime minister in the history of the modern state of Israel to be indicted, with various charges, including breach of trust, bribery and fraud. “This is a hard and sad day,” said Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in a speech given before the Justice Ministry at the time. “I am bringing an indictment on public corruption against the prime minister in three cases. It is sad for me personally and for the country.”

For his part, Netanyahu denied the allegations, labeling the indictment “a political coup” and “a contaminated process,” in which he felt the investigators “were after me personally.” In June 2021, Netanyahu lost his position as prime minister after 12 years in the role, being replaced by Naftali Bennett, who held on to power with a very slight majority in the Knesset.

However, because of the structure of the Jewish Knesset, holding power with slim majorities that can change quickly means that Israel, unable to gain a strong majority, has went through massive election changes for several years.

Netanyahu’s reelection is seen as a shift back to a more conservative stance for the nation. It is also seen as a potential powder keg for Israel and Iran, as Netanyahu has never been afraid to stand up to the Iranian regime, either political or even militarily when deemed necessary.

Biblical Connection: While Netanyahu is not without controversy, he does tend to offer a stronger front for Israel against their enemies. The Bible clearly identifies Israel as a major player in the end times and thus their continued perseverance is essential for end times prophecy.

PRAY: Pray for the leadership change in Israel and for America to continue to be an ally of Israel in the region.