New Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett takes office, confirms no change in position on Iran nuclear deal

On Sunday, Naftali Bennett was sworn in as Israel's new Prime Minister, succeeding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had been in office for the previous 12 years.

Bennett, the 49-year-old head of the right-wing Yamina party, will assume office after being elected as Israel's 13th Prime Minister by a 60-59 vote in the 120-member Knesset. He will be putting an end to a political crisis which went on for two years and four elections.

The new administration has a quite slim majority in a 120-member parliament, thanks to an unprecedented alliance of ideologically disparate political groups drawn from the Right, Left, and Center, as well as an Arab party.

Bennett, a former Netanyahu supporter turned opponent, is spearheading a precarious coalition of eight parties which include Yamina, Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid, New Hope, Labor, Meretz, United Arab List, Kahol Lavan, and Yisrael Beiteinu.

His cabinet consists of 27 ministers, nine of whom are women.

Bennett's attitude on the Iran nuclear agreement is unlikely to alter significantly from that of his predecessor, according to the Amerian daily. The new Israeli prime minister may attempt to sway some provisions of the new deal, something that Netanyahu has rejected to do.

The use of Mossad, Israel's espionage agency, to sabotage the nuclear agreement with Iran is high on Bennett's policy agenda as the incoming prime minister coordinates with the US on military and intelligence concerns, according to the New York Times.

In his speech, Bennett confirmed that Israel "will not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons.” He further added, "Israel will not be a party to the agreement and will continue to preserve full freedom of action.”

US President Joe Biden hailed the new government coalition formed by nationalist Naftali Bennett and attempted to reinforce US-Israel ties in a statement that gave no indication of acknowledging Netanyahu.

The President in his statement said, "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."