The leader of the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu gestures as he addresses his supporters at his party headquarters during Israel's general election on November 2, 2022 in Jerusalem. AMMAR AWAD REUTERS JERUSALEM - Israel's incoming prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured a parliamentary majority on Thursday after his Likud party said it had reached an agreement with the Jewish ultra-Orthodox Shas party.
Israel's fifth election in less than four years is the result of Netanyahu's right-wing alliance's victory on Nov 1, a comfortable victory in a Nov 1 election. His partnership with far-right parties has caused concern at home and abroad.
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In a statement, Netanyahu said that we have completed another step towards the formation of a right-wing government that will serve all of Israel's citizens.
The agreement with Shas gives Netanyahu control over 64 of the Knesset's 120 seats, though a final coalition deal is yet to be signed.
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The agreement says that Shas leader Aryeh Deri will head the interior and health ministries during the first half of the government's term, then take over the finance ministry in the second half. Deri will serve as the deputy prime minister throughout Netanyahu's tenure.
Deri, a veteran politician, was convicted of tax fraud last year but was spared jail under a plea deal. The legislation that will allow him to return to the cabinet will have to be passed by the Knesset.