Israel’s new prime minister Naftali Bennett raises his hand during a Knesset session in Jerusalem Sunday, June 13, 2021. Israel’s parliament has voted in favor of a new coalition government, formally ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s historic 12-year rule. Naftali Bennett, a former ally of Netanyahu became the new prime minister (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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UPDATED 10:24 AM PT – Monday, June 14, 2021
Israel has sworn in a new prime minister following the removal of Benjamin Netanyahu who was ousted following a 60 to 59 vote on Sunday. Naftali Bennett was confirmed as the new leader, marking the first new prime minister in a record 12 years.
“It’s pretty sad that almost 86 in the Parliament, the Knesset, belongs to the right-wing,” stated Erez Goldman, a resident of Jerusalem. “And they sold their soul and ideology and their beliefs to the extreme left-wing just for one purpose: hatred to Netanyahu.”
In his last speech as prime minister, Netanyahu denounced Joe Biden’s Iran policies and also called out Bennet by claiming he would be too weak to stand up to Washington.
“Regrettably, he doesn’t posses the international standing, he doesn’t posses the credibility, he doesn’t have the capability, he doesn’t have the knowledge,” Netanyahu stated. “And above all, he has not the government nor the word that allow him to truly object to the nuclear deal.”
Netanyahu vowed to return to power while dismissing the new coalition as a “dangerous government.” Bennett, a former defense minister and Betanyahu protégé, will be leading the most ideologically diverse government in Israeli history.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to right-wing opposition party members a day after a new government was sworn in, at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, June 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Israeli citizens have long called for Netanyahu’s ousting amid an ongoing corruption trial in which he has denied any wrongdoing. However, citizens offered mixed reactions as hundreds of Israelis gathered in several areas across the country.
“I feel like I earned my country back again because for the last year, with lots of wonderful people, we’ve been in the streets demonstrating against a prime minister that there is a very serious indictment against him,” stated protester Sharon Hudeland.
In the meantime, Netanyahu is expected to remain a prominent figure in politics heading the Likud Party as the new opposition leader.
Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations 🇮🇱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RNYPX4amGE
— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) June 13, 2021
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