Naftali Bennett sworn in as Israel’s new Prime Minister after 12-year rule of Netanyahu

A new coalition government led by Naftali Bennett was approved by the Israel’s parliament resulting in the end of the historic 12-year rule of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by sending the polarising leader into the opposition. Naftali Bennet, a former ally of Netanyahu turned into his rival and became the prime minister after the 60-59 vote count.

Naftali has promised to try to heal the divided nation and will preside over a diverse and fragile coalition comprised of eight parties with deep ideological differences. Netanyahu howsoever has made clear that he has no intention of leaving the political stage. He said that if it was meant for both of them to be in opposition then they will do it until they knock over this ‘dangerous government,’ and return back to leading the country.

The vote count 60-59, had put an end to the two year cycle of political paralysis in which the country held four deadlocks elections. Those votes were mainly focused on the Netanyahu’s divisive rule and his fitness to remain in office also while on a trial for corruption charges.

Netanyahu is a global statesman uniquely capable of leading the country through its many security, according to his supporters. Whereas to his critics, he became a polarising and autocratic leader who used divide-and-rule tactics to worsen many rifts in the Israeli Society. There was an unanimous applause by the protesters when the new government had been approved.

The US President Joe Biden congratulated the new government. The President mentioned in a statement that he was ‘looking forward’ in strengthening all aspects of the close and the enduring relationship between the two nations. Biden also mentioned that his administration was fully committed to working with the new government in order to ‘advance security, stability and peace’ for the Israelis, Palestinians and also for the people throughout the border region. 

Bennett later spoke on phone with Biden where he thanked the US PM for his warm wishes and long-standing commitment to the Israel’s security. Biden mentioned that his administration would intend to work closely with the Israeli government.

Three out of eight parties in the new government are headed by former Netanyahu allies who share his ideology but had deep disputes with him. On the meet of the new cabinet, Bennett recited a prayer for the new beginnings. He said it was time to mend the rifts. He also said that the citizens of Israel were looking at them and the burden of proof is upon them.

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