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Israeli parliament approves new government, formally ending Netanyahu's reign

Naftali Bennett becomes new PM
Naftali Bennett
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JERUSALEM — Israel’s parliament has voted in favor of a new coalition government, formally ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s historic 12-year rule.

Naftali Bennett, a former ally of Netanyahu turned bitter rival, becomes prime minister, presiding over a diverse and fragile coalition comprised of eight parties with deep ideological differences.

Netanyahu remains head of the Likud party and will hold the post of opposition leader.

Sunday’s vote ended a two-year cycle of political paralysis in which the country held four elections.