Israel: Former PM Benjamin Netanyahu starts coalition talks to form the government
Benjamin Netanyahu led his Likud Party to become the largest political group in Knesset with 32 seats.
As many as 26 years after being elected as Israel's prime minister for the first time,Benjamin Netanyahu is gearing up for another tenure in the office. After making a stunning comeback in the election,Netanyahu, more fondly known asKing Bibi has started coalition talks to form the government.Reports suggest thatNetanyahu is set to form one of the most right-wing governments in history with his religious and ultranationalist allies.
Reportedly, after securing a decisive majority in Israel's fifth election in four years, Netanyahu has instructedYariv Levin, his right-hand man to open talks withReligious Zionism and two ultra-Orthodox parties over portfolios.
Bezalel Smotric andItamar Ben-Gvir are expected to receive important ministerial berths
Netanyahu led his Likud Party to become the largest political group in Knesset with 32 seats. Together with his allies, the Netanyahu-led right religious bloc has 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset.
This election caps the country’s ongoing political instability. Last year, Netanyahu was ousted as the country’s longest-serving leader after 12 years.
WATCH |Israel elections 2022: Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc heads for majority
Earlier this week on Thursday,Israel's incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid conceded defeat and congratulated Netanyahu for the victory.
“The state of Israel comes before any political consideration. I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the state of Israel,” said the interim prime minister.
Furthermore, a statement by his office said that following the results, Lapid also "instructed his entire office to prepare an organised transition of power.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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