Israel, 32 May. Netanyahu’s rivals have cited his corruption cases as main reason why Israel needs a ‘government of change’ Benjamin Netanyahu’s days as Israeli prime minister could be numbered after nationalist Naftali Bennett said he would join a coalition being put together by opposition leader Yair Lapid. Mr Bennett said his Yamina party would join a diverse collection of opponents seeking to topple Mr Netanyahu. “It’s my intention to do my utmost in order to form a national unity government along with my friend Yair Lapid, so that, God willing, together we can save the country from a tailspin and return Israel to its course,” Mr Bennett said. Yamina will lend six seats to Mr Lapid’s effort to form a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Mr Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid party came second in the latest election two months ago, the fourth inconclusive poll in two years. He was given a 28-day mandate, ending on June 2, to form a government.
The negotiations were stalled by the 11-day conflict between Israel and militant groups in Gaza. Yamina’s support is a significant milestone on the journey to oust Mr Netanyahu, who is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. His current term began in 2009 and before that he held the post between 1996 and 1999. The new coalition is so far made up of right-wing, centrist and leftist parties. All parties have cited the corruption charges faced by Mr Netanyahu as the main reason Israel needs a new leader. In comments made immediately after Mr Bennett’s press conference, Mr Netanyahu accused his former protege of carrying out the “scam of the century”, saying he only cared about becoming prime minister. He added that the new coalition would weaken Israel and insisted a right-wing coalition was still possible. Mr Netanyahu denies the charges, but his rivals argue that he might use a new term to legislate immunity to shield himself.
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