Naftali Bennett succeeds Netanyahu as Israel’s Prime Minister

Israel’s parliament has narrowly voted in favor of a new coalition government, putting an end to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unprecedented 12-year rule.

Naftali Bennett, a former Netanyahu ally turned bitter rival, took over as Prime Minister, presiding over a diverse and fragile coalition of eight parties with profound ideological differences. Netanyahu will continue to lead the Likud party and will serve as opposition leader.

During the vote, Netanyahu remained silent. After it was approved, he stood up to leave the chamber before turning around and shaking Bennett’s hand. A dejected Netanyahu then sat in the opposition leader’s chair, wearing a black medical mask.

Sunday’s vote, passed by a 60-59 margin, ended a two-year cycle of political paralysis in which the country held four elections.