Israel's first new government in quite a while, Netanyahu's time finished
- Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's record in the presidency ended on Sunday with the approval of parliament, a new administration headed by Naphtali Bennett, which had a 60-59 majority.
- Bennett is a nationalist whose views reflect many aspects of Netanyahu's affairs.
- Netanyahu was Israel's longest-serving leader and has served as prime minister since 2009.
JERUSALEM: The first Israeli government in 12 years, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, went into business on Monday, with former Prime Minister Nofatali Bennett parting ways with a transfer ceremony.
The record for the right-wing leader in office ended Sunday with the approval of parliament, which included a new administration headed by a minor Bennett, whose views reflect Netanyahu's views on many issues.
In Tel Aviv, after four uncertain elections in two years, thousands turned out to welcome the result.
"I'm celebrating the end of an era here in Israel," said Ariz Bezonier in Robin Square.
"We want them to succeed and reunite us," he added. As the flags of the new government waved, supporters sang and danced around it.
An aggressive 71-year-old Netanyahu said he would return sooner than expected.
"If we decide to go into opposition, we will work with our heads down until we bring it down," he told parliament before Bennett was sworn in.
The traditional handover ceremony was not scheduled at the prime minister's office, where Netanyahu is expected to meet with Bennett on Monday to brief him on state affairs.
The last time Netanyahu was disorganized as Israel's leader was in 1999 when he ended his first term in office with a glass of wine in his hand and then-Labor leader Ehud Barak. There were words of welcome that defeated him in the election.
"Matters, bad tempers, not conscious - like Trump at the last minute."
Asked why this would not happen again, Popaz Luke, a senior aide to Netanyahu, told Army Radio: "That's all there is to it."
"This dangerous government is full of motivations to overthrow it as soon as possible," Netanyahu said. Lok declined to disclose Netanyahu's return strategy, only pointing to a slow margin of support for the new administration in parliament.
Lok said the incoming government was receiving briefings from Netanyahu's diplomatic and security advisers to ensure a smooth transition.
After its first meeting late Sunday, Bennett's new cabinet was invited to a traditional group photo at the official residence of President Raven Revelin, showcasing incoming governments.
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