Coming elections in Israel are almost certain to produce a more extremist government even than Netanyahu's governing coalition, writes Khaled Amayreh in occupied Jerusalem

By Khaled Amayreh

The extremist rightwing in Israel is consolidating its rule over the self-described "national camp" as never before as Israel braces to elect the most radical parliament in its history.

Last week, the Likud took a sharp turn to the right when party members elected a list of candidates who will contest the upcoming elections slated for 22 January.

Barring any surprises, it is highly likely that Israel will further move towards the extreme right, with its religious and nationalistic wings, as more extreme right-wing politicians and advocates of "Greater Israel" are expected to make it to the next Israeli Knesset or parliament.

The sharp turn to the far right could have serious ramifications for Israel's relations with the international community, including Egypt, whose delicate relations with the Zionist state would be put to the test in case the next Israeli government goes too far in finishing off the two-state solution.

Even Israel's relations with its guardian-ally, the United States, could suffer, especially if an increasingly Talmudic-minded Israel decided to challenge and defy the basic guidelines of US policy in the region.

Last week, the ruling Likud Party elected its list of candidates for the upcoming elections. The list, described as the most radical ever since the creation of Israel about 65 years ago, includes some of the most extremist and fanatical elements.

Among the new faces on the list is Moshe Feiglin, the leader of the quasi-fascist Jewish Leadership group within Likud who has finally succeeded on his fourth attempt in getting on the list.

Feiglin opposes the two-state solution, is against granting universal democratic rights - including the right to vote - to non-Jews, and advocates "progressive ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians as well as transforming Israel into a theocracy ruled according to Talmudic laws. Talmudic laws are highly discriminatory against non-Jews living under Jewish religious laws, or Halakha, who are viewed as "water carriers and wood hewers".
Another young politician joining the Likud list with a guaranteed slot is Danny Danon who espouses equally extreme racist views vis-à-vis the Palestinians. He too advocates gradual ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, the demolition of Al-Aqsa Mosque (awaiting the right timing) and vehement opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state on the West Bank.

Three veteran Likud leaders, including Benny Begin (son of the former Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin), Dan Meridor and Michael Eitan, were pushed off the list as the membership opted for much more radical representatives.

Likud leaders reject the characterisation of the new list as extremist and fascist.

"Every time Likud selects its candidates, the media says they have lurched right," said Knesset member Yariv Levin. "When Benny Begin was elected they said he was a right-wing extremist. Now he is out, they say he is a moderate."

However, the facts seem to strongly refute any denial of extremism by Likud mouthpieces. Last month, the Likud agreed to form a single electoral bloc with a even more radical party, Israel Beitenu, headed by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Leiberman.