Israel’s new leader has a Canadian connection—and plenty of challenges

This week, Israel got its first new prime minister in over a decade: Naftali Bennett, an Orthodox right-wing politician, formed an unlikely governing coalition with centrist and left-wing parties, as well as the United Arab List. Bennett, who spent some formative years living in Montreal as a young child, has staunch positions on controversial domestic issues. He supports settlements in the West Bank, rejects the prospect of a nuclear deal with Iran and opposes a two-state solution with Palestine. Keeping an eye on all this movement, from his home in Jerusalem, is Canadian professor Irwin Cotler. On today's episode, the former Liberal MP and human rights lawyer describes Israel's current political climate, and what Bennett's election could mean for Canada. What we talked about: Read: "How attending preschool in Montreal helped define Naftali Bennett" (thecjn.ca) See Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement on Bennett's election at the government of Canada's website Watch Ellin's full interview with Irwin Cotler on YouTube The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. Find more great Jewish podcasts at thecjn.ca.