Suryaa Now Middle East Desk: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be approaching the end of his political dominance, but the far-right ideology that has shaped his government could remain deeply embedded in the country's political and administrative institutions.
As Israel's opposition explores the possibility of forming a new government under former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, attention is increasingly turning towards the future of two prominent far-right politicians: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Both ministers have played influential roles in Netanyahu's coalition government, which was formed in 2022. Their political influence has extended beyond cabinet positions, with policies affecting settlements, security institutions, the occupied West Bank and Palestinian prisoners.
Far-Right Leaders Face Political Uncertainty
Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have publicly opposed the possibility of an opposition-led government under Eisenkot. Their political futures could become uncertain if Netanyahu loses power.
However, analysts argue that removing these politicians from government would not necessarily eliminate the influence of their ideological movements.
According to political experts cited by Al Jazeera, Ben-Gvir's influence is largely built on populist politics and public mobilisation, while Smotrich has used his government position to advance settlement expansion and reshape administrative structures.
Ben-Gvir's political roots are associated with the Kahanist movement, while Smotrich has used his position within the Finance Ministry and additional responsibilities in the Defence Ministry to strengthen policies supporting Israeli settlements.
Policies That Could Last Beyond Netanyahu
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the possible change of government is the institutional impact of policies introduced over the past three years.
Smotrich played a significant role in establishing a separate Settlement Administration and accelerating settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. He also revived the controversial E1 settlement plan in 2025, which critics say threatens the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state.
Ben-Gvir, meanwhile, has been accused of politicising the Israeli police force and introducing stricter conditions for Palestinian prisoners through changes to the prison service.
Political analysts believe reversing these changes would require considerable political commitment, administrative restructuring and sustained government action.
Far-Right Movements Retain Electoral Support
Even if Smotrich and Ben-Gvir lose their ministerial positions, their political movements are unlikely to disappear.
Researcher Roi Zur of the University of Essex told Al Jazeera that the Religious Zionist movement and Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit continue to attract a stable section of Israeli voters, representing approximately 10 percent of the electorate.
This support could allow the far right to remain politically influential even outside the government.
Palestinian Rights Remain a Central Concern
The political legacy of Netanyahu's government has also intensified concerns over Palestinian rights, settlement violence and conditions in occupied territories.
Palestinian politician Aida Touma-Suleiman told Al Jazeera that discrimination and racism had become increasingly normalised in Israeli public life.
She argued that the political environment had made expressions of hostility towards Palestinians increasingly acceptable.
As negotiations over Israel's next government continue, the central question is no longer simply whether Netanyahu will remain in power. It is whether a new administration will have the political determination to reverse the institutional and ideological changes introduced during his government's tenure.
The possible departure of Netanyahu and his far-right allies may mark a political transition, but it does not necessarily signal the end of far-right influence in Israel.
