Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the right-wing conservative Likud party said the community had nothing to fear. Amir Ochana, of his Likud party, became the first openly gay politician to be elected speaker of parliament on Thursday. In an emotional speech, addressing his parents and wife, as well as their children, Ochana reiterated that no harm would be done to alternative families. However, Israeli media reported that two strictly religious lawmakers bowed their heads during the speech.
Also diplomatic protest
Israel’s ambassador to Paris, Jael German, resigned on Thursday in protest against the new government. In a letter to the head of government, she wrote that she could not support Netanyahu’s coalition’s radical reform intentions. She warned of a “danger to Israel’s democratic character and values”.
The new government was sworn in in Parliament on Thursday. It is the most right-wing government Israel has ever had. Extremist right-wing politicians are also represented in the coalition for the first time.