The Times of Israel

[Zak]

​

 

[Zak]

Naftali Bennett Becomes Prime Minister as Broad Coalition Takes Office​

Naftali Bennett has been sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel, heading a broad coalition government formed after no single party secured a majority in the Knesset. Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid, and Benny Gantz, leader of Blue and White, have been appointed Deputy Prime Ministers under the coalition agreement between their respective parties.

The coalition was assembled following an inconclusive election that left every major political party short of the 61-seat majority required to govern independently. After weeks of negotiations, parties from across the political spectrum agreed to form a coalition government to provide a working parliamentary majority and avoid another election.

Bennett, leader of the right-wing Yamina party, has built his political career around a hardline approach to national security and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He has consistently opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state, arguing that such a move would pose a long-term threat to Israel's security.

Among his most well-known remarks on the issue, Bennett said in 2007, "There is not going to be a Palestinian state within the tiny land of Israel. It's just not going to happen. A Palestinian state would be a disaster for the next 200 years." The statement has remained one of the defining expressions of his opposition to a two-state solution.

Bennett has also attracted attention for his comments regarding counterterrorism operations. During his political career, he argued that "terrorists should be killed if they pose an immediate life threat to our soldiers when in action," reflecting his support for robust military rules of engagement in active combat situations.

Despite his opposition to a two-state framework, the new Prime Minister has reaffirmed Israel's longstanding commitment to maintaining a strong security posture throughout the region. The government is expected to continue prioritizing national defense, intelligence cooperation, and deterrence against threats from militant organizations and hostile states while maintaining strategic partnerships with regional and international allies.

Deputy Prime Minister Yair Lapid is expected to take a leading role on domestic policy and international diplomacy, while Deputy Prime Minister Benny Gantz will remain one of the government's principal figures on defense and national security matters. Their appointments are intended to balance the coalition's diverse political makeup and reinforce cooperation between its largest parties.

The coalition's immediate priorities include passing a long-delayed state budget, addressing the rising cost of living, expanding housing development, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening healthcare and education. With the government composed of parties holding differing ideological views, its success is expected to depend on compromise and maintaining parliamentary unity.

Opposition parties have questioned whether the ideologically broad coalition can remain stable over time. Supporters, however, argue that the government reflects the fragmented electoral outcome and provides a workable majority at a time when no single party was able to command sufficient support to govern alone.

The new administration now assumes office amid continued regional security challenges and domestic political divisions, beginning what observers expect will be a closely watched test of coalition governance in Israel.