President Joe Biden is offering his congratulations to the new Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennet after Israel’s parliament voted to oust Benjamin Netanyahu — Israel’s longest-serving leader.
In a statement on Sunday, Biden said, “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,” he continued.
Finally, he added, “Israel has no better friend than the United States. The bond that unites our people is evidence of our shared values and decades of close cooperation and as we continue to strengthen our partnership, the United States remains unwavering in its support for Israel’s security. My administration is fully committed to working with the new Israeli government to advance security, stability, and peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and people throughout the broader region.”
Read the statement below:
JUST IN: President Biden congratulates the new Israeli government and says he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
— Sabrina Siddiqui (@SabrinaSiddiqui) June 13, 2021
"Israel has no better friend than the United States," Biden says. pic.twitter.com/TPJDbiZEPx
Biden’s comments come after Bennet was sworn in as prime minister following four elections over the course of two years, ending more than a decade of Netanyahu’s grip on power.
As CNN reports, the parliament voted 60 to 59 in favor of Bennett. His government represents the most diverse coalition in Israel’s history.
Netanyahu blasted the new government as “weak” and “dangerous” and vowed, “We’ll be back soon.”
