Israel’s new government begins, Netanyahu era ends

Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year tenure as Israeli prime minister came to an end as the country’s parliament on Sunday approved a new coalition government led by right-wing nationalist leader Naftali Bennett.

The first Israeli government in 12 years not led by Benjamin Netanyahu got down to business on Monday, with the former prime minister shying away from a handover ceremony with successor Naftali Bennett. The right-wing leader's record run in office ended on Sunday with parliament approving, by a razor-thin majority of 60-59, a new administration led by Mr Bennett, a nationalist whose views mirror Netanyahu's on many issues. In Tel Aviv, thousands turned out to welcome the result, after four inconclusive elections in two years.