Netanyahu Out, Naftali Bennett in, World Leaders React

World leaders had an initial positive reaction to Israel's new government and new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

The United Kingdom offered its congratulations to Bennett after a hard-fought victory establishing a new government in Israel.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted:

"Congratulations to @naftalibennett & @yairlapid on forming a new government in Israel. I look forward to continued cooperation on security, trade and climate change, and working together to secure peace in the region."

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz also congratulated Bennett and alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid, assuring Austria will remain by Israel's side.

Kurz tweeted:

"Congratulations to PM @naftalibennett and alternate PM @yairlapid for forming a government. I look forward to working with you. Austria is committed to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and will continue to stand by Israel's side."

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder said, according to The Times of Israel:

"I congratulate the leaders of Israel's political parties who have come together to form a government of national unity that includes all sides of the Israeli political spectrum, from right to left, religious to secular. I am delighted that these efforts have now come to fruition and that this new government has been established."

Germany alluded to its unique friendship to Israel while offering its congratulations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a message addressed to Bennett and shared by her spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer on Twitter:

"Germany and Israel are connected by a unique friendship that we want to strengthen further. With this in mind, I look forward to working closely with you,"

President Joe Biden also had a positive message for the newly elected prime minister.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet," Biden said in a statement.

"I look forward to working with Prime Minister Bennett to strengthen all aspects of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations. Israel has no better friend than the United States," Biden added.

The new Israeli prime minister replied, saying, "Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations."

Ending Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year hold on power, Israeli lawmakers passed a vote of confidence Sunday for a coalition government and Naftali Bennett was sworn in after the vote as prime minister, replacing his former ally and becoming Israel's first Orthodox Jewish leader.

• Netanyahu Ousted After 12 Years in Power, Rightist Bennett Takes PM Job
• Israel's Netanyahu Lashes out as End of His Era Draws near