Netanyahu makes a comeback
Thursday, November 03, 2022
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest serving prime minister, will now have a chance to form a government with his ultranationalist allies (Photo: Ammar Awad)

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Thursday, November 3, conceded defeat to the opposition's Benjamin Netanyahu after the former posted a message on twitter indicating that he congratulated the latter on winning the elections.

This time around Netanyahu, who is the head of a solidly right-wing alliance and a prominent Israeli politician, won a clear parliamentary majority, dominated by ultranationalist and religious parties.

Lapid took to Twitter to congratulate Netanyahu and instructed his staff to prepare an organised transition of power, his office said on Thursday.

"The State of Israel comes before any political consideration,” Lapid said. "I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu still has to be officially tasked by the president with forming a government, a process that could take weeks.

World leaders congratulate PM-elect

U.S. ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides said he spoke with Netanyahu and told him he looked forward to "working together to maintain the unbreakable bond."

"What a great victory for Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel! Hard times require strong leaders. Welcome back!" said Orban Viktor, Prime Minister of Hungary.

"Congratulations for the electoral success. Ready to strengthen our friendship and our bilateral relations, to better face our common challenges," Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni added.