Israel’s 36th government was formed this week after a vote of confidence was passed in the Knesset on Sunday evening. Yamina Party leader Naftali Bennett was sworn in as the country’s 13th prime minister.

Bennett has replaced now-former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held the position for the past 12 years and who served another three years prior to that, from 1996 to 1999, making him the longest-serving premier in Israel’s history. With the transfer of power, Netanyahu became the head of the opposition, replacing Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, who, according to a rotation agreement with Bennett, will serve as foreign minister for two years and then assume the role of prime minister.

MKs voted by a wafer-thin 60-59 in favour of the new government, made up of right-wing, left-wing, centrist, and Islamist parties that largely came together in order to oust Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s Likud party still holds the most seats in the Knesset with 31 but they were unable to put together a big enough coalition with other parties in order to form a government.

US President Joe Biden congratulated Bennett over the phone and issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the American people, I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet.”

“I look forward to working with Prime Minister Bennett to strengthen all aspects of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations.”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his congratulations to Bennett on behalf of the UK. Johnson said that this “is an exciting time for the UK and Israel to continue working together to advance peace and prosperity for all.”

CUFI, which is neutral on Israeli politics, has welcomed Naftali Bennett as Israel’s new Prime Minister. We always pray for the leaders of Israel that God will direct them as they lead Israel and the Jewish people. We also thank Benjamin Netanyahu for his many years of service to his country and his great friendship to our organisation.

FREE booklet:

Britain’s stand with Israel – 12 actions CUFI would like the UK to take

Related Articles:

The barbaric nature of Hamas on full display

This week, as more Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity, the world had a glimpse into the barbaric nature of Hamas and its supporters. Chaotic scenes were broadcast around...

Auschwitz80: The speech that world leaders needed to hear

 https://youtu.be/ibbLbn5m0XQRonald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, and heir of cosmetics brand Estee Lauder, gave an impassioned speech at the Aushwitz80 commemoration....

UNRWA has questions to answer: did they know about the hostages?

Israeli hostages recently released have claimed they were held at one of the UN shelters, raising more speculation that Hamas has been protected by the international body.Israel’s...

Trump’s 7 pro-Israel moves that have made the US-Israel relationship great again

On Monday, President Donald Trump began his second term in office. Throughout the day of his swearing in, one could see relatives of Israeli hostages front and centre in the audience....

CUFI launches new Holocaust resource for small groups

A free new resource to help groups hold a Holocaust remembrance has been launched by CUFI-UK for the 80th anniversary year since the end of the Holocaust.Launched ahead of Holocaust...

We call upon the UK Government to officially recognise Jerusalem is Israel's capital and move its embassy to Jerusalem.