Naftali Bennett, a self-made tech millionaire and former commando, has been offered the role of Israel's next prime minister after his party, Yamina, won just seven seats in the general election. Despite being considered an ultra-nationalist and known for advocating Jewish settlement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Bennett has formed a coalition with centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid, ousting long-time leader Benjamin Netanyahu. His rise to power reflects the contentious issue of settlements in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlights Bennett's outspoken and combative approach.
Naftali Bennett: Israel's New Prime Minister
Naftali Bennett, a former software entrepreneur and ex-commando, has been sworn in as Israel's new prime minister after his right-wing Yamina party formed a coalition government with centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid.
Background
Bennett, 49, is a native of Haifa, Israel. He served in the Israeli Defense Forces as a commando and later became a successful tech entrepreneur. In 2012, he co-founded Soluto, a cloud-based software company that was acquired by Microsoft in 2015.
Bennett entered politics in 2013, joining the right-wing Jewish Home party. He was elected to the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in 2015 and served as Minister of Education and Minister of Diaspora Affairs under Benjamin Netanyahu.
In 2018, Bennett formed the Yamina party, which is considered a national-religious party. The party supports Jewish settlement in the West Bank, opposes a Palestinian state, and advocates for a tough approach towards terrorism.
Rise to Power
Bennett's rise to power is a significant shift in Israeli politics. He is the first prime minister from a party other than Likud or Labor in over a decade. His victory also marks the end of Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year reign as prime minister.
Bennett's coalition government is a diverse group that includes parties from across the political spectrum. The coalition agreement includes a commitment to addressing economic and social issues, as well as to maintaining Israel's security.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What are Naftali Bennett's views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Bennett is a supporter of the settlement movement in the West Bank and opposes a Palestinian state. He has stated that he believes the West Bank is part of Israel and that Palestinians should have limited autonomy.
2. What is the significance of Naftali Bennett's election as prime minister?
Bennett's election is a significant shift in Israeli politics. It marks the end of Netanyahu's long dominance and represents a new era in Israeli government.
3. What are the key policies of Naftali Bennett's coalition government?
The coalition government has agreed to address a range of issues, including economic growth, social welfare, and security.
4. How is Naftali Bennett's government different from previous Israeli governments?
Bennett's government is more diverse than previous governments and includes parties from across the political spectrum. It also marks the first time that a party other than Likud or Labor has led the government in over a decade.
5. What are the challenges facing Naftali Bennett as prime minister?
Bennett faces a number of challenges, including managing a diverse coalition government, addressing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and dealing with regional threats.
Pannir Selvam, a 28-year-old Malaysian man, received the death sentence in Singapore after being convicted of drug trafficking. Pannir's family, who remember him as a playful and talented musician, were shocked to hear of his arrest and have been fighting for his release ever since. With Singapore's strict laws against drug trafficking, Pannir's fate now lies in the hands of the court.
The FBI announced the arrest of Cindy Rodriguez Singh, one of its 'top 10 most wanted fugitives', from India in connection with the murder of her six-year-old son. She was charged with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Capital Murder. Patel commended the Indian and US agencies for their coordination in the case and noted that this is the fourth '10 Most Wanted' fugitive arrested in the past seven months. Singh's son had severe health and developmental issues and she allegedly fled to India to avoid prosecution, but justice knows no borders and the FBI never gives up on those who harm the innocent.
In a significant move, the descendants of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to institute a tradition of hoisting the National Flag at the Red Fort every year, to commemorate the establishment of the Azad Hind Government on October 21. The Azad Hind Government, formed under Netaji's leadership, played a key role in the fight for India's independence during World War II. With the 82nd anniversary of its establishment approaching, this request holds even more significance in honoring the sacrifices made by the Azad Hind Fauj.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent Diwali in an unconventional manner, celebrating the festival of lights with Indian Navy personnel onboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. During his visit, Modi praised the INS Vikrant as a symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and also witnessed a stunning air power demo by MiG 29K fighter jets taking off and landing on the short runway of the aircraft carrier. Modi was also deeply moved by a special cultural performance by the sailors, dedicated to the success of the Indian Armed Forces. He ended the evening by joining in the tradition of Bara Khana with the naval personnel. On the next day, Modi joined a yoga session on deck and watched a spectacular steampast of warships and flypast by aircraft.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Navy personnel on the country's new aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. He extended Diwali greetings to the nation and shared highlights from his visit, including an air power demonstration and cultural program. PM Modi also addressed the significance of Diwali and expressed his best wishes to the families of the Navy personnel.
In a tense meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin's terms for ending the two-year war in Ukraine. Despite seeking more military support from the US, Zelensky was met with resistance from Trump, who reportedly engaged in a "screaming match" with the Ukrainian leader. The US leader even claimed that Putin saw the conflict as a "special operation" rather than a full-fledged war, further complicating negotiations between the two nations.
As Liverpool struggled to find their form in a tough game against Manchester United, Dutch midfielder Cody Gakpo stood out with his sharp attack and strong composure. Despite hitting the woodwork three times, Gakpo managed to score a brilliant equalizer for his team, showcasing his potential and talent on the field. While Liverpool may have lost the match, Gakpo's impressive performance provided a glimmer of hope for a struggling team.
Ayodhya's Deepotsav 2025 was a shining example of faith, community, and innovation as the city set two new world records with over 26 lakh diyas and a grand aarti performed by 2,100 priests. The event, witnessed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also showcased a spectacular 3D projection mapping and drone light show that brought Lord Ram's story to life in the night sky. The event was a testament to the deep connection Ayodhya's youth have with Lord Ram's ideals and was made possible by the hard work of over 40 potter families and thousands of volunteers.
In a brazen and perfectly orchestrated robbery, a group of thieves infiltrated the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday morning and made off with a collection of priceless jewels with an estimated value in the millions. French officials confirmed the robbery and began a detailed investigation to determine how the culprits managed to evade the museum's advanced security systems and execute the crime in under seven minutes. This latest incident has raised serious concerns about the protection of national treasures at one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
In an audacious heist, a group of armed thieves breached security at the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris and stole nine valuable jewels from the collection of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Joséphine. The robbery, which took place in just seven minutes, has prompted a full-scale police investigation and raised concerns about the museum's security. French officials are working to recover the stolen items, but the Louvre remains closed to visitors.