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Israeli PM Naftali Bennett not to run in upcoming general elections

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will not contest the upcoming general election. The elections are expected in October or November this year.

TN World Desk

Updated Jun 30, 2022, 00:59 IST

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett (File image)

Photo : AP

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will not contest the upcoming general election. The development was confirmed by his spokesperson on Wednesday evening. According to AFP, Bennett told lawmakers from his Yamina party that he would not stand in the next elections.

Last week, the Israeli government announced to dissolve the current legislature, Knesset. The elections are expected in October or November this year. Bennett's eight-party alliance is due to end by midnight.

Bennett will continue to serve as alternate prime minister in a caretaker government to be led by Yair Lapid, reported the Associated Press. The arrangement is part of an earlier power-sharing agreement with Lapid. Bennett became the prime minister of Israel last year.

Also Read: Israeli government falls, it was fragile to begin with: What happens next?

Bennett's motley alliance was formed in June 2021. He has led a coalition of right-wingers, centrists, doves and Islamists from the Raam faction. Notably, It will be Israel's fifth vote in less than four years. Meanwhile, former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu exuded confidence in winning the upcoming polls.

Lapid will lead the anti-Netanyahu camp in forthcoming polls. Lapid is a centrist. He is expected to take office at midnight after final approval is given by parliament to a dissolution bill.

Some Arab lawmakers in the coalition refused to back the bill. According to them, it would mark a de facto endorsement of a 55-year occupation that has forced West Bank Palestinians to live under Israeli rule, reported AFP. Bennett is a staunch supporter of settlements. Notably, dissolving parliament before its June 30 expiration will temporarily renew the West Bank law.

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