Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader ousted as PM; rivals to form govt

Israel's opposition parties have reached an agreement to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been longest-serving leer of nation after staying in power for 12 years. This comes following emergence of a coalition deal between centrist Yair Lapid and far-right Naftali Bennet along with six or parties.

This move is a result of several corruption charges levied against Netanyahu and his wife, for which y are under trial. However, leer denies all charges. It appears w that a combination of parties will take turns governing nation-state. first new Prime Minister is expected to Naftali Bennett, who belongs to right-wing party; second will be from a centrist party. tably, this coalition includes an Arab party as well and reportedly has 61 out of 120 seats. If it loses that narrow majority, Israel will once again have to go in for ar election.

Why is re a new coalition in Israel? 

Israel has so far seen four national elections in past two years alone In all of se, political party seemed to have won a majority on its own and party that formed government was able to do so by allying with or parties. After March 2020 elections, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party famously joined hands with Benny Gantz’s centrist party  Kaḥol Lavan, also kwn as Blue and White to form a unity government. However, fractious coalition did t last too long and by December 2020, government collapsed again after Knesset (parliament) failed to pass annual budget Bill, reby pushing Israel into ar election.

In March 2021 election, voters once again gave a split verdict. While Likud emerged as biggest party this time as well with 30 seats out of 120, it still failed to form a majority to make up a single-party government; and this time Likud also could t form a coalition with or parties to meet majority mark. 

Following Netanyahu's predicament of being unable to form government, country's President invited second-largest party in Knesset with 17 members to form government. Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid was faced with mammoth task of putting toger a coalition that would hit 61 seats.

Which parties are part of coalition?

Lapid's Yesh Atid, Gantz's Blue and White joined hands and toger y have 25 seats. Six or parties have also banded toger - right-wing Yamina with 7 MKs (Member of Knesset), centre-right New Hope with 6 MKs, centre-left Meretz with 6MKs, Labour Party with 7 MKs, secular right party Yisrael Beiteinu which has 7 MKs and finally Arab Ra’am which has won 4 seats in recently concluded elections. Toger, eight-party coalition w has 62 seats, just eugh to cross majority mark but with a razor-thin difference end even if a single MK backs out, Israel will have to start all over again.

What's next for Benjamin Netanyahu after he steps down as Prime Minister?

Netanyahu who is under trial on corruption charges, best outcome that awaits him is Bennet's failure to prove majority in Knesset, following which country will move into ar round of elections, and he gets to stay in power until n with certain Prime Ministerial immunity. If he is ousted, he might have to face music if allegations prove true and is convicted. He will remain leer of Opposition if charges against him are quashed.