Naftali Bennett becomes Israel’s new PM, world leaders send in their best wishes

Naftali Bennett, a right-wing Jewish nationalist, and former tech millionaire is taking over the helm of the Israeli government, pieced together by an eight-party coalition, united only by their shared disdain for the hawkish right-wing Netanyahu. They ousted Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, and formed a new government.

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On Sunday, vote in the Knesset legislature following the weeks of intense political drama ended Netyanyahu government, he has been the dominant and increasingly divisive figure in Israeli politics. The 49-year-old Bennett promised the new government, a coalition of ideologically divergent parties, “represents all of Israel,” in Knesset’s speech before the vote.

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World leaders congratulated new Prime minister Naftali Bennett and his government, US President Joe Biden on Sunday offered his “warm congratulations” on telephone talks, the White House said. In an official statement, Biden said he looks forward to working with the new administration.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent his congratulated Bennett saying,  he “looks forward” to working with him. A statement released by the Trudeau office said that Canada and Israel are close friends bound together by shared democratic values and a long history of cooperation, and vibrant people-to-people ties.

Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Chancellor also congratulated Bennett and his partner Yair Lapid in a tweet, saying he looks forward to working with both of them. 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also took Twitter and said that Germany and Israel are connected by a unique friendship that they want to strengthen further, AFP reported. “With this in mind, I look forward to working closely with you,” she added.