Israeli Parliament Approves New Government, Ending Netanyahu's 12-Year Rule

Naftali Bennett Becomes New Prime Minister

After four deadlocked elections in two years, Israel’s parliament has finally approved a new governing coalition, ousting Benjamin Netanyahu from power after 12 years as prime minister. The new government is a diverse coalition of eight parties spanning the political spectrum, from the far-right Yamina party to the left-wing Meretz party.

Key Players in the New Government

Naftali Bennett, the leader of the Yamina party, will serve as prime minister for the first two years of the government's term. He will then be replaced by Yair Lapid, the leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party. Netanyahu, the leader of the right-wing Likud party, will become the leader of the opposition. He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, having held the post for 15 years in total.

Challenges Facing the New Government

The new government faces a number of challenges, including: * The ongoing conflict with the Palestinians * The threat from Iran * The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic The government will also need to address a number of domestic issues, such as: * The rising cost of living * The widening gap between rich and poor * The need for electoral reform

Conclusion

The formation of a new government in Israel is a significant development. It remains to be seen whether the new government will be able to address the many challenges facing the country. However, the fact that such a diverse coalition of parties has come together to form a government is a sign of hope for the future of Israeli democracy.