Israel swears in Benjamin Netanyahu amid concerns of further slide to right

Arab citizens and LGBTQ+ community fear return of veteran leader will damage democracy

Israel's most rightwing cabinet ever has been sworn in, with Benjamin Netanyahu heading an administration that could open the door to fervently nationalist and religious politicians to radicalise the country and policies towards the Palestinians.

Israeli liberals fear the veteran leader's return to power in alliance with anti-Arab, ultranationalist and ultraorthodox parties will damage democratic aspects of the country's governance. Arab citizens and the country's LGBTQ+ community are both alarmed at what may be in store.