Israeli Prime Minister Bennett announces retirement from politics, paving the way for Netanyahu’s return
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Wednesday that he was withdrawing from political life and that he would not take part in the country’s next national election, a move that could possibly ease the return of long-serving leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who was ousted from office a year ago.
Bennett’s statement to stand down, at least for now, comes just over a week after he informed the public that he could no longer hold together his fragile coalition, sending the country to the polls for the fifth time in less than four years. An election is likely to take place in late October or early November.
A poll taken by Israeli TV’s Channel 12 News immediately following Bennett’s announcement on Wednesday showed Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party gaining at least 15 seats more than its closest rival and gaining enough support from other right-wing factions and those loyal to the former leader to form a government with a small majority.
In a brief televised statement from Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, Bennett said, "I do not intend to compete in the coming elections but will remain a loyal soldier in the service of this country."
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