LGBTQ+ Israelis have expressed alarm as far-right politicians with a history of homophobia prepare to take seats in the cabinet under a coalition deal.
Having placed first in the Nov. 1 election, conservative Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party have signed deals with the Religious Zionism (RZ) party and other far-right groups and ultra-orthodox parties to achieve a stable parliamentary majority.
RZ leader Bezalel Smotrich, who was quoted describing himself as a “proud homophobe” in 2015, is expected to become finance minister.
Far-right nationalist lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir, who took part in a “beast parade” mocking LGBTQ+ Pride along with Smotrich, was named as the incoming national security minister.