Naftali Bennett Sworn In As New Israeli Prime Minister Ending Netanyahu’s 12-Years Reign

Naftali Bennett New Israel PM KOKO TV NG 12
Yesterday Israel swore in a new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett first time in more than a decade of former PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Naftali Bennett, leader of the Israeli right-wing Yamina (‘New Right’) party, addresses supporters at his party’s campaign headquarters in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv early on March 24, 2021, after the end of voting in the fourth national election in two years. (Photo by Gil COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)

Naftali Bennett, 49, was sworn in on Sunday, June 13, after a new coalition government unseated longtime Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Bennett, 49, was a former chief of staff to Netanyahu.

READ ALSO: Benjamin Netanyahu Out As Israel PM As Parliament Approves Coalition Government

The newly elected prime minister was appointed by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in a 60-59 vote, with one minister abstaining.

Shortly after the votes were counted, the now former-Prime Minister Netanyahu approached his opponent and the two shook hands.

He later took to Twitter to pen a message to his supporters, vowing to return.

“I ask you: do not let your spirit fall,” he said. “We’ll be back – and faster than you think.”

Naftali Bennett New Israeli Prime MinisterPresident Joe Biden released a statement congratulating Bennett and the new Israeli government. “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,” he said.
READ ALSO: Israeli Airstrikes Destroy Gaza Tower Housing Al Jazeera And Associated Press

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations,” Prime Minister Bennett responded via Twitter.

Netanyahu, 71, was first elected prime minister in the late 1990s and then again in 2009.

Naftali Bennett New Israel PM KOKO TV NG 12Photo Credit: Getty

Leave a Reply