Naftali Bennett Forms Coalition Government with Yair Lapid and Opposition Parties After March Election

In the aftermath of the March 2021 Israeli legislative elections, a significant political shift occurred with the formation of the Bennett and Lapid coalition government. Naftali Bennett, leader of the right-wing Yamina party, entered into a coalition agreement with Yair Lapid of the centrist Yesh Atid party, along with several other parties spanning the political spectrum from right to left. This coalition was notable not only for its diverse political representation but also for its inclusion of Ra'am, an Israeli Arab party, marking a historic moment as it was the first time in decades that an Arab party participated in a governing coalition in Israel. Under the terms of the agreement, Bennett was set to serve as Prime Minister until September 2023, after which Lapid would take over the role until November 2025. This coalition aimed to provide stability in a politically fragmented landscape, particularly in opposition to the long-standing leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu. The collaboration among parties with differing ideologies highlighted a willingness to compromise in order to govern effectively and address pressing national issues.