Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year rule as Prime Minister over the country ended on Sunday night when the Knesset voted to approve the new coalition government formed by Yamina leader Naftali Bennett and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid.
Naftali Bennett became prime minister after reaching an agreement with eight other parties to form a coalition government with the Knesset voting 60-59 in approval.
Bennett, the leader of the right-wing Zionist Bayit Yehudi Party, was defense minister from 2019 to 2020. He spoke before the Knesset vote Sunday as he faced opposition from Netanyahu’s Likud Party, who called him a “criminal” and a “liar.”
President Joe Biden in Britain spoke with Bennett by phone to offer his congratulations, according to a White House readout of the call.
The president also issued a statement congratulating Bennet and Yesh Atid Party leader Yair Lapid on the formation of their new government.
“Israel has no better friend than the United States,” he said. “The bond that unites our people is evidence of our shared values and decades of close cooperation and as we continue to strengthen our partnerships the United States remains unwavering in its support for Israel’s security.”
“I look forward to working with Prime Minister Bennett to strengthen all aspects of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations,” he said in a statement. He said his administration is fully committed to working with the new government “to advance security, stability, and peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and people throughout the broader region.”
Bennett tweeted: “Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations.”
Bennett was sworn in as Israel’s 13th prime minister and Lapid as the 14th.
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