The return of Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party, who has just swept back to power in Israel with the aid of new far-right allies, is causing concern amongst mission agencies working with Jewish people.
Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history, having been in office for a total of 15 years, from 1996-99 and 2009-21. He has been a controversial figure for many years, not least for facing charges of bribery and fraud whilst previously in office. His main new coalition partner, the Religious Zionists, is led by the right-wing extremist Itamar Ben-Gvir, who celebrated their electoral success at an all-male campaign gathering overnight in Jerusalem, where supporters waved Israeli flags and chanted ‘death to terrorists’.
The Zionists’ support, combined with a poor showing for two pro-Arab rights parties and the left-wing Meretz party, has allowed Netanyahu to form the new coalition government.
A spokesperson for the International Mission to Jewish People (IMJP) said: ‘Benjamin Netanyahu’s dramatic return to power is a most unexpected political comeback. In recent years Jewish people have been increasingly open to the gospel but this political shift brings about some uncertainty. In theory there will be no change, because it is perfectly legal to preach the gospel in Israel, as long as one does not use material gain to coerce people, or target minors without parental consent.
‘However, with Netanyahu’s election victory comes the possibility that he could bring in coalition partners who have previously sought to use political office to introduce draconian anti-missionary laws, and we must be wary of such developments’.
Alex Jacob, CEO of the Church’s Ministry among Jewish People (CMJ), said: ‘We have worked in Israel since 1823 under many differing political authorities. We will continue to work as best we can and in partnership with others wherever possible to share the gospel faithfully and with contextual sensitivity.
‘But the new make-up of the government may well bring additional challenges to our work. We continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for Israel to flourish as a secure Jewish democratic state where all its citizens are treated with dignity and respect’.
