As a new coalition took over the reigns of the Israeli government, people across the country and beyond erupted into celebrations on Sunday. Visuals from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other areas show revellers out in droves cheering and dancing on the streets. While some wave flags, others can be seen holding beverages or hugging as foam rains down.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 12 year stint at the helm of affairs came to an end on Sunday as Naftali Bennett was sworn in. The leader of the right-wing Yamina party took oath as the head of an eight-party coalition with a razor-thin majority of 60-59 in the 120-member house. Members of the coalition - which includes Yamina, Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid, New Hope, Labor, Meretz, United Arab List, Kahol Lavan and Yisrael Beiteinu - do not however see eye-to-eye on most of the critical issues facing the country.
A former ally of Netanyahu, Bennett's ultra-nationalist party had won just seven seats in the March 2021 elections. The new eight party government features two left, two centre, one Arab Islamist and three right-wing parties, and many remain unconvinced about its longevity. After all,
In his address to parliament, Netanyahu vowed to bring down this "dangerous government", making it clear that he has no plans on giving up leadership of the Likud Party. Opinion polls also suggest that the majority of Israelis are not too hopeful.
Nonetheless, as Netanyahu found himself relegated to the Opposition for the first time in 12 years, Israeli protestors were a happy lot.
Israeli celebrate the passing of a Knesset vote confirming a new coalition government during a rally in Rabin Square in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on June 13, 2021. | Photo: AFP
Israeli demonstrators celebrate with foam the passing of a Knesset vote confirming a new coalition government during a rally in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on June 13, 2021. | Photo: AFP
Israeli celebrate the passing of a Knesset vote confirming a new coalition government during a rally in Rabin Square in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on June 13, 2021. | Photo: AFP
Israeli demonstrators celebrate the passing of a Knesset vote confirming a new coalition government during a rally in Rabin Square in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on June 13, 2021. | Photo: AFP
