LIVEBLOG: Bennett sworn in as Israel's 13th prime minister, ending Netanyahu's 12-year rule

Lapid pledges to repair Israel's ties with Democratic Party, Diaspora Jewry

The architect of the coalition that unseated Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister, Yair Lapid, on Monday promised to repair Israel's relationships with the Democratic Party and Diaspora Jewry.

Speaking at a handover ceremony at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, the foreign minister and alternate prime minister blamed the outgoing government for damaging Israel's ties with the party in Washington that currently controls the White House and both chambers of Congress.

Bennett, Netanyahu meeting at Prime Minister's Office for official handover of position

Naftali Bennett and Benjamin Netanyahu are meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem for the official handover of the position.

Yair Lapid takes over as Israeli foreign minister

On Monday afternoon, outgoing foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi participated in a transfer of power ceremony to Yair Lapid at the Foreign Ministry.

Bennett visits grave of Emmanuel Moreno

Following the traditional photo shoot at the President's Residence, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett opened his first day in office at the grave of his close friend, the late Lt. Col. Emmanuel Moreno, on Mount Herzl.

Iran says Israel's policy will not change with new government, state media reports

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday that Israel's policy will not change with a new government, according to Iran's state-run ISNA news agency. 

Israel's 36th government gathers at President's Residence for official photo shoot

Members of Israel's new government arrived to President Reuven Rivlin's official residence in Jerusalem for a traditional group photo. The event was one of Rivlin's last major meetings as president, as his term ends on July 9.

New poll shows that most Israelis support new unity government

A new poll conducted by Prof. Camil Fuchs and published by Channel 13 after the new Israeli government was sworn in Sunday night finds that 48 percent of Israelis support the coalition compared to 37 percent who oppose the unity government. Among respondents who expressed an opinion on the matter, 56.5 percent support the new government while 43.5 percent oppose it.

Indian PM Modi congratulates PM Bennett in Hebrew tweet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on the formation of the new government in a Hebrew tweet.

Labor MK Emilie Moatti, suffering spinal ailment, votes for new Israeli government while lying down

Yamina's Shirley Pinto to become first deaf Knesset member in Israel

Shirley Pinto of the Yamina party is set to become Israel’s first deaf Knesset member. She will replace Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana, who on Sunday announced his departure from parliament under the so-called Norwegian Law.

World leaders continue to offer congratulations on new Israeli government

World leaders continued to offer congratulations on Israel's new government and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, including messages from the president of the European Council, Charles Michel; former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, who also praised Israel's outgoing prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz; and US Vice President Kamala Harris.

Hamas appoints new prime minister in Gaza Strip

On the same day that Israel swore in a new prime minister, Hamas appointed a new premier in the Gaza Strip. Issam al-Da’alis replaces Dr. Mohammed Awad, who resigned after two years in office.

UK's Johnson welcomes new gov't

"As we emerge from COVID-19," UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, "this is an exciting time for the UK & Israel to continue working together to advance peace & prosperity for all."

US lawmakers congratulate Israel on new government

US House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) praised the new coalition government in Israel, expressing eagerness to work with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) congratulated the Israeli people and her friend, Yair Lapid, for his appointment as foreign minister. She also praised the Arab-Jewish diversity in the coalition.

Blinken invites Lapid to Washington

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Foreign Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid to congratulate him on the formation of Israel's new government, as well as to extend an invitation to Washington, DC.

Lapid thanked Blinken for the unwavering US support for Israel.

Canada's Trudeau, Germany's Merkel congratulate Bennett

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel sent their congratulations to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Trudeau said he "looks forward" to working with the new prime minister.

Merkel also said she looks "forward to working closely" with Bennett.

Blue & White ministers resign as part of Israel's 'Norwegian Law'

Hili Tropper and Pnina Tamano-Shata, two ministers from Benny Gantz's Blue and White Party, resigned as lawmakers to allow two more party members to become parliamentarians.

Israel's so-called "Norwegian Law" allows ministers to resign as members of Knesset (Israel Parliament), while retaining their ministerial posts. 

Biden speaks to Bennett in first phone call

US President Joe Biden expressed "his firm intent to deepen cooperation between the United States and Israel on the many challenges and opportunities facing the region," according to a White House press release.

Thousands celebrates Netanyahu ouster at Tel Aviv's Rabin Square

Biden congratulates Bennett

"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet."

"I look forward to working with Prime Minister Bennett to strengthen all aspects of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations."