Virtual roundtable discussion with Eli Hazan, Likud’s director of Foreign Relations 16th April

On the 16th April, Forward Thinking hosted a virtual roundtable discussion with Likud’s director of Foreign Relations Eli Hazan. The meeting was attended by a number of parliamentarians and representatives from foreign affairs departments.Discussions focused on the negotiations to establish a new coalition following Israel’s national elections held on 2nd March. After receiving the mandate from the President, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz  failed to form his own  coalition government. This led him enter negotiations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a unity government with his closest rivals Likud – a move he had previously promised not to do. The move facilitated the breakup of Blue and White and the 62 MK majority that had recommended him to form the next government.A central question was if a common position on annexation would emerge from the coalition discussions between Gantz and Netanyahu. Representatives from various ministries of foreign affairs challenged the position of Likud and the Israeli political right on annexation, which following Trump’s Peace plan has become a priorityDuring the discussion there was recognition that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some level of cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian officials. The unique challenges presented by this new reality could also present new opportunities for engagement in other, more long-term areas if this could be explored and developed further.Forward Thinking will continue to hold roundtables with key political figures, to discuss the latest political developments and issues in Israel.