A report in the Financial Times, titled "Lapid's Stormy Tour Presents a Different Israel to the World," states that "within just four weeks of taking office, Yair Lapid, the architect of the new Israeli coalition government, has spent most of his time abroad, signaling his determination to set a new tone in foreign relations after Benjamin Netanyahu's divisive 12-year rule." The writer adds, "Lapid was the key figure in uniting the disparate coalition, bound only by the desire to oust Netanyahu. The European Union's extension of an invitation to Lapid, his positive response, and subsequent trip did not escape the notice of European officials, long frustrated by Netanyahu's policies on West Bank settlements, Iran, and domestic European politics."
"It is unclear what will change fundamentally," the writer notes, highlighting the comments of Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign affairs and security chief, who stated, "We have a chance for a new beginning and to strengthen our bilateral relations." The writer points out, "Netanyahu was notorious for monopolizing all foreign policy decisions, using populist governments in Eastern and Central Europe to divide the EU and stifle any criticism of Israel."
The report mentions "the Israeli government's pursuit, described as a change coalition, to mend relations with the Democratic Party in Washington, while downplaying public disagreements over the Iranian nuclear issue and emphasizing its readiness to make progress in the conflict with the Palestinians." The piece adds, "Senior Israeli officials met with representatives from all of Israel's allies in the Middle East, signaling to the Israeli public that there is life beyond Netanyahu, who forged peace agreements with many of them."
The writer cites last week's secret meeting between Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman, first reported by Axios, "after years of disengagement between the king and Netanyahu." The conclusion drawn is, "It is clear that the Israeli government does not want to abandon relations with nationalist governments. Bennett recently spoke with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Russian President Vladimir Putin."
Instead, according to a senior Israeli government official, "the approach is to expand our alliances and work with a broader range of countries," the writer conveys. The Israeli official adds, "No one (in this government) is taking any significant steps regarding the Palestinian issue, such as annexation (of the West Bank), new settlements, or final status peace talks. However, there is room for progress and a more positive environment." The writer concludes, "It remains unclear whether these efforts will suffice to avert another military escalation in Gaza or disturbances in the West Bank. The new government's critical test will be its policies regarding the eviction of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem and settlement construction in the West Bank."
