Longest Serving Israeli Leader Ousted, Vows To Return As New Government Takes Over

Israel will have new leaders at the helm following the ouster of Benjamin Netanyahu, the nation’s longest-serving prime minister. The Israeli Parliament voted to form a new government, composed of a coalition of opposition groups that promise to address the conflicts that the 71-year-old leader has caused in his 12-year regime.

Netanyahu was unable to form a new government after the Mar. 23 election. It was his fourth in two years. This prevented him from blocking the power-sharing agreement of the groups led by former defense minister Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid.

As a result, Bennett and Lapid will take turns serving as Israeli prime ministers. Bennett was sworn in following a 60-59 vote and serve as leader until 2023 before Lapid gets his turn, the New York Post reported.

Despite the setback, Netanyahu vowed that he will return. He has been Israel’s prime minister since 2009, a post he previously held from 1996 to 1999.

“If it is destined for us to be in the opposition, we will do it with our backs straight until we topple this dangerous government and return to lead the country in our way,” he said.

The change in leadership was recognized by US President Joe Biden and vowed to work closely with Bennett and Lapid to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

Naftali said the new government would “end a terrible period of hatred among the people of Israel” in a speech that prompted shouts of “shame” and “liar” from Netanyahu’s supporters.

Naftali said the new government would “end a terrible period of hatred among the people of Israel” in a speech that prompted shouts of “shame” and “liar” from Netanyahu’s supporters.

“To continue on in this way — more elections, more hatred, more vitriolic posts on Facebook — is just not an option. Therefore we stopped the train, a moment before it barreled into the abyss,” Bennet stated on social media.