What is happening:
For the past four years, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been the prime minister of Israel after over two decades of high ranking service in the Israeli government (Leader of the Opposition, Minister of Foreign Affairs, etc.). He’s an ex war hero, an ex ambassador to the United Nations, and actually served as Prime Minister in previous years (1996-1999). But despite being a major global political player, has gained fame through some not so glamorous ways. He’s created an immense amount of tension between his administration and the Obama administration (even though the US and Israel are considered close allies) and has an extreme stance on how to handle Palestine, even for Israel. He occasionally puts out an emotional tweet about the situation, similar to that of a thirteen year old girl fighting with her best friend. Plus, he comes out with the goofy diagram that makes it hard to take him seriously.
But even with these silly mis-haps, Netanyahu has maintained a decent strong-hold in the Israeli parliament. He has been intimidating to not only his own government, but to the entire world. That was, until last Tuesday.
Like the United States, Israel holds midterm elections for their parliament (the equivalent of Congress), and last week, Netanyahu’s party, the Likud Party, got hit really hard. The party that has held a vast majority of parliament for what seems like forever, only maintained the majority by the skin of their teeth. Which is a drastic change from previous elections where barely any other party could even voice an opinion. Now, with his party slimming down within the Israeli government, Netanyahu is seeing that his power is slipping away, and he may have to move to a more moderate position on pretty much everything Israel gets involved in. Again, a drastic change.
Why you should care:
It’s no secret that the US and Israel have strong political ties and have been for years, but right now, that relationship is seriously on the rocks. Even though the US has always been a friend to Israel, they continue to promote peace between Israel and Palestine, holding meetings with global leaders and with Israel and Palestine individually, talking exclusively about the conflict. And ever since Obama has taken office, the American stance has become far more pro-Palestine, much to the dislike of one far-right, anti-Arab Netanyahu.
The important thing to recognize is that there has been tense strain on the US-Israel relationship. And with this recent election, we could see that strain get a little more relaxed. Benjy will be forced to move further to the center on issues important to the US (read: all conflict with Palestine), favoring Obama’s platform on the issue and making strides towards peace in general. Despite this election, on its surface, seeming standard and not of particular importance, it will create a more moderate Israel and will make better, friendlier allies between the United States and one of it’s most important strong holds in the Middle East.
Where you can read more:
Effect on Netanyahu: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israelis-vote-in-national-election-that-stirred-little-enthusiasm/2013/01/22/8507efb0-6494-11e2-b84d-21c7b65985ee_story.html
The Slim Win: http://www.economist.com/blogs/pomegranate/2013/01/israels-election-0
More On This New Political Player: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/new-israeli-political-star-champions-middle–class/2013/01/23/83b17ff0-6589-11e2-85f5-a8a9228e55e7_story.html