Netanyahu out as Israel parliament approves coalition government

Israel parliament has voted in favour of a new coalition government, ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s historic 12-year rule.

The Knesset, erupted in cheers after agreeing that Naftali Bennett, a former right-wing ally of Mr Netanyahu’s now turned bitter rival, will become the new prime minister, presiding over a diverse and fragile coalition.

Mr Netanyahu remains head of the Likud party and will hold the post of opposition leader, though also faces a looming corruption trial

Sunday’s vote, passed with a razor-thin majority of 60 to 59, ended a two-year cycle of political paralysis in which the country held four elections.

Mr Netanyahu sat silently during the vote. After it was approved, he stood up to leave the chamber, before turning around and shook Mr Bennett’s hand.

A motley crew of eight parties with deep ideological difference make up the new ruling coalition from right-wing supporters of Jewish settlements in the West Bank to left wing parties who support a Palestinian State, including for the first time an Arab Islamist party, Ra’am. 

Under the terms of the coalition, Mr Bennett, leader of the Yamina party, will take the first two year term as prime minister, followed by a second term by Yair Lapid, the centrist leader of party Yesh Atid – if the coalition lasts that long.

In a speech before the vote, he told the Israeli parliament that he opposed efforts to revive Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers.

“Israel will not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons,” Bennett said, vowing to maintain Netanyahu’s confrontational policy. “Israel will not be a party to the agreement and will continue to preserve full freedom of action.”

Mr Lapid called off a planned speech to parliament, instead saying he was ashamed that his 86-year-old mother had to witness the raucous behavior of his opponents after supporters of the outgoing prime minister interrupted proceedings, and some were escorted from the chamber.

In a brief speech, he asked for “forgiveness from my mother”.

“I wanted her to be proud of the democratic process in Israel. Instead she, along with every citizen of Israel, is ashamed of you and remembers clearly why it’s time to replace you,” he said.