Israel's 37th Government was sworn in on Thursday, with Benjamin Netanyahu beginning his sixth term as prime minister.
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The swearing-in ceremony began at 11:00 a.m., during which Netanyahu presented his agenda to the Knesset plenum. These include stopping the Iran nuclear program, developing state infrastructure and restoring internal security and governance.
Video: Netanyahu wins confidence vote, becomes PM /Knesset Press Office
During his address, which was interrupted by members of the opposition, Netanyahu said "Losing elections isn't the end of democracy – it's the essence of democracy. In a democracy, we don't climb the fences of the Capitol, and we don't climb the fences of the Knesset."
The ceremony was also attended by President Isaac Herzog and Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut in attendance.
Yair Lapid also spoke at the event in what is his last address as prime minister. He said he was handing over control of the government "with a heavy heart" and turning to the incoming coalition, declared, "We are giving you a country in excellent condition: a strong economy, improved security capabilities and powerful deterrence, with some of the best international standing ever. Try not to ruin it, we'll be back soon."
Lapid also listed the outgoing government's achievements, saying it prevented the Iran nuclear agreement from being renewed. He also spoke of a potential future peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, saying that "if the incoming government continues on the path that we have paved, we will reach an agreement with the Saudis in no time."
Lapid's address was followed by a parliamentary discussion, with each coalition party allocated up to nine minutes to speak and each opposition party 24 minutes.
Eli Cohen, who was appointed foreign minister in rotation with Israel Katz, said, "There is no greater honor for me, to serve the State of Israel as its foreign minister in the political and international arena. The challenges are enormous, the world is turbulent, but I thank incoming prime minister Netanyahu for the great trust and I will take on the tasks with great pride to represent the country in which I was born and I love."
Finally, the lawmakers voted to ratify the Knesset speaker – Likud MK Amir Ohana, who in 2019 became the first openly gay cabinet member.
Netanyahu himself will be sworn in after the Knesset votes to give confidence in the government.
i24NEWS contributed to this report.
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