Protesters celebrate Netanyahu’s replacement

Israel is about to end an era, twelve years after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being replaced. It is celebrated by his opponents in front of his official residence in Jerusalem.

Before the expected replacement of the right-wing conservative Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu Protesters already celebrated in front of his official residence in Jerusalem. Critics of the outgoing head of government rejoiced and danced. One of the signs on Saturday evening read: “Bibi (Netanyahu’s nickname), it’s your last Saturday at Balfour, start packing.” In front of the official headquarters at the corner of Balfour and Smolenskin streets, there were repeated protests against the prime minister, against whom corruption is being pursued.

‘Not the right time for demonstrations’

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, nominated by the right-wing Zamina Party, criticized the recent rally on Sunday. “This is not the right time for demonstrations and provocations,” he said, according to his spokesman. Bennett called on Netanyahu and his family to be treated with respect.

The planned eight-party government will have to pass a trust vote in Parliament as the last hurdle before being sworn in on Sunday. The majority in the Knesset is very low with 61 MPs out of 120.

With the swearing-in of the new cabinet Israel An era has come to an end: it will be the first time since 2009 that a government has been formed without Netanyahu. It is still unclear when the 71-year-old will give up his official seat if he is to be replaced. According to media reports, Bennett wants to live with his family at their home in Ranana near Tel Aviv and uses the official residence only for official meetings or in exceptional cases.