UAE joins international community in welcome for new Israeli government

Israel's parliament voted for Naftali Bennett's coalition on Sunday evening

New Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defence Minister Benny Gantz sit in parliament, in Jerusalem, on June 13, 2021. Mr Bennett was sworn in after winning a confidence vote with a margin of 60 votes to 59. Reuters

Former prime minister and now head of the opposition Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr Bennett following the vote in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, on June 13. Reuters

The new government brings together unlikely bedfellows including right-wing nationalist Mr Bennett, pictured, centrist former TV host Mr Lapid and Arab Islamist Mansour Abbas. EPA

A supporter of the coalition government holds a placard that reads in Hebrew "Hope". Reuters

Mr Netanyahu speaks before parliament votes. Getty Images

Mr Gantz, left, and Mr Netanyahu chat with Members of Parliament. AFP

Mr Bennett will be prime minister for the first two years before handing over to Mr Lapid for the last two years of the parliament's term, under their agreement. AFP

Mr Bennett named a cross-party Cabinet. AP

Mr Bennett, 49, is a nationalist tech millionaire known for his aspirations to expand Israel's settlements. AFP

Mr Netanyahu vowed to not be silenced and said he would do "daily battle against the incoming government". AFP

Mr Bennett arrives at the Knesset earlier in the day. AFP

Leader of the Tikva Hadasha party, Gideon Saar, centre, arrives for the special voting session. EPA

Mr Lapid's secularist party finished second with 17 seats in the March elections. Reuters

Mr Abbas has been leader of United Arab List party, Raam, since early 2019 - the year he was first elected to the Knesset. AFP

Merav Michaeli of the Israeli Labor Party arrives at the Knesset. AFP

The international community congratulated Israel's new coalition government, after the widest grouping in the country's history won a narrow vote to take power.

Naftali Bennett ousted Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister in a thin 60-59 majority vote in a deal that will see him swap the position with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in two years.

The new Cabinet was immediately sworn in after the vote.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation released a statement on Monday congratulating the alternating prime ministers.

"We look forward to working together to advance regional peace, strengthen tolerance and coexistence, and embark upon a new era of cooperation in technology, trade, and investment," the statement read. Israel and the UAE established ties in August last year.

US President Joe Biden was quick to welcome the new government, saying he looked forward to working with Mr Bennett, Mr Lapid and all the new Cabinet members to "strengthen all aspects of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations."

"Israel has no better friend than the United States," he said.

"The bond that unites our people is evidence of our shared values and decades of close co-operation, and as we continue to strengthen our partnership, the United States remains unwavering in its support for Israel’s security."

Mr Biden said his administration was "fully committed" to working with the Israeli government in future.

The leaders agreed that they and their teams would consult closely on all matters related to regional security, including Iran.

Mr Biden also said his administration intended to work closely with the Israeli government on efforts to advance peace, security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin also offered their congratulations.

“The United States will continue to work with Israel to advance the cause of peace and we remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security," Mr Blinken said.

"We look forward to strengthening all aspects of the US-Israel partnership and working together for a more secure and prosperous future."

Mr Bennett thanked Mr Biden for his words, reciprocating the pledge to work together to strengthen ties.

In Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel shared a message with Mr Bennett through her spokeswoman.

“Germany and Israel are connected by a unique friendship that we want to strengthen further," Mrs Merkel said.

"With this in mind, I look forward to working closely with you."

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz also passed on his good wishes.