After a long struggle, Israel’s government will be under new control. The change comes during a time of tense Palestinian conflict.
The New York Post reported, “Benjamin Netanyahu, the longest serving Israeli leader, was ousted as prime minister on Sunday after the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, voted to form a new government made up of a coalition of opposition groups pledging to heal caustic divisions caused by Netanyahu’s 12-year rule.
Netanyahu had failed to form a government after a March 23 election — the fourth in two years — and could not block the power-sharing agreement between the groups, headed by his former defense minister Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid.”
Naftali Bennett was sworn in, nearly immediately after a 60-59 vote in his favor. Each Bennett and Lapid will serve has Prime Minister of Israel for two years. Lapid will take over in 2023.
Netanyahu vowed in a speech that his time in power is not over. He claimed that he would “be back”.
This vote comes shortly after a heated conflict between Israel and terroristic Palestinian operatives. In May, Hamas used funding from Iran to lob over 4,000 short range rockets into Israel. Most of these rockets were stopped by the iron dome missile defense system.
President Joe Biden offered his co graduations to Israel’s new prime minister and said “Israel has no better friend than the United States. The bond that unites our people is evidence of our shared values and decades of close cooperation and as we continue to strengthen our partnership, the United States remains unwavering in its support for Israel’s security.”
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi paid his respects to Netanyahu on Twitter. Modi thanked Netanyahu for his efforts and “personal attention” to Israel’s relationship with India.
Netanyahu thanked Modi back for his friendship and alliance between the counties.