Israel's Knesset approves new coalition to end Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year rule

Israel’s designated new prime minister Naftali Bennett (Ariel Schali/AP)

Israel’s parliament has narrowly voted in favour of a new coalition government, ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s historic 12-year rule.

Naftali Bennett, a former ally of Mr Netanyahu turned bitter rival, becomes prime minister – presiding over a diverse and fragile coalition comprised of eight parties with deep ideological differences.

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Mr Netanyahu remains head of the Likud party and will hold the post of opposition leader.

Sunday’s vote, passed by a 60-59 margin, ended a two-year cycle of political paralysis in which the country held four elections.