Israeli prime minister Bennett to quit politics

• Published date: 30 June 2022
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

In a televised address last night, Mr Bennett - leader of the right-wing Yamina alliance - said he was proud of the achievements of the outgoing government, which lasted just over a year. "I love this country above all else and will remain its loyal soldier. Serving Israel is my calling," he said

Mr Bennett expressed regret over the hostility of the right-wing opposition during the last year. He said he would serve as alternative prime minister in the interim government to be headed by Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party.

Mr Bennett's announcement was not entirely unexpected. After he announced last week that a snap election would be held in the autumn, Israel's fifth in less than four years, he said he was considering his political future. Polls indicated Yamina would struggle to achieve the minimum threshold of four seats in the 120-seat Knesset.

New leader

Yamina will be led by outgoing interior minister Ayelet Shaked, who was much more inclined than Mr Bennett to join a future government headed by former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A poll by Channel 12 TV last night suggested Yamina led by Ms Shaked could win five seats, one more than under Mr Bennett. Yamina with five seats joining a right-wing and religious Netanyahu coalition would be enough for an overall majority of 63 seats, according to the poll.

Mr Bennett's decision came a day before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament...