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.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Security Strategic Working Group, comprising representatives from all MSG member states, has successfully completed their sixth workshop meeting in Honiara last week. They have discussed the outcomes of their consultations with NGOs and CSOs in each member country, and agreed on the next steps to finalize the MSG Peace and Security Strategy. This is seen as a significant step for the sub-region in facing common threats, and the finalized report will be tabled at the upcoming Police Commissioner's and Police Minister's Meeting in Indonesia next year.
A video claiming to show Indian and Chinese armed forces chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ amid the recent disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh has been circulating on social media. However, the truth is that the video is not recent and has been on the internet since January 2024. It was originally shared as footage of Indian Army personnel chanting the slogan after the consecration of the idol of Hindu deity Ram at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. A keyword search led to several news reports from January 2024, clarifying that the video is not recent and its authenticity has not been verified.
A group of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, Laos fell ill after a night out on November 12th, possibly from drinking tainted alcohol. As of now, five deaths have been confirmed, including a British lawyer identified as Simone White and a young Australian woman. The Australian Prime Minister has expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of Bianca Jones and hopes for the recovery of her friend, Holly Bowles. Western government officials are supporting the families of the victims and urging caution for travelers in the popular backpacking destination.
Laishram Herojit, a low-level government worker, has appealed for the safe return of his family who went missing after an encounter between suspected Kuki insurgents and security forces in Manipur. Two women, including Herojit's wife, and an eight-year-old child are among the six people who went missing. Herojit has called for the release of his innocent family and has appealed to any group that may be holding them hostage to return them unharmed. He recalls getting a call from his wife during the violence, which later got disconnected, and a Bengali friend later informed him that they were taken away in a boat.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
Guyana's President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a ceremony at the State House, conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of Excellence'. Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, expressed his gratitude and dedicated the honour to India's 1.4 billion people. This recognition is a testament to India's strong commitment towards deepening friendship with Guyana and demonstrates the country's unbiased approach towards international relations.
As the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years, PM Modi's arrival marks a momentous occasion for the community. The Indian diaspora, which makes up over 40% of Guyana's population, eagerly awaits the world leader and shanti-doot who strives to unite the world and propel India into its golden age. PM Modi's visit marks a significant moment for the Indian community, deeply rooted in their traditions and eagerly showcasing their vibrant culture to welcome the Prime Minister. During this visit, PM Modi will also co-chair the second India-CARICOM Summit with the Prime Minister of Grenada, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
In a move to slow Russian advances in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel mines to the Ukrainian military. This comes as reports state that North Korean troops have joined Russian marines and airborne units in battles throughout the country. The addition of anti-personnel mines marks a new level of assistance from the US in the ongoing conflict, with the mines being more deadly and longer-lasting than the previously provided anti-tank mines. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air defence units are actively working to repel a Russian air attack on the capital city of Kyiv.
Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has issued a warning about the start of World War Three due to a recent US decision allowing Ukraine to launch missiles into Russian territory. In response, Putin has signed a new decree giving Russia more flexibility in responding with nuclear weapons. Medvedev has accused the US of deliberately creating an escalation for former President Donald Trump's administration and claims Russia now has the right to launch a retaliatory strike against Ukraine and NATO facilities, which would mark the start of WWIII.
In yet another round of violence, Israel has launched an air strike on central Beirut, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuring 24 others. This attack comes as the militant group Hezbollah considers a proposed ceasefire backed by the United States in Lebanon. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, a large fire has also broken out in Tel Aviv following the raid sirens that sounded.