Netanyahu Leaves Official Residence of Israeli Prime Minister

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left his official residence in Jerusalem early on Sunday, about a month after the new government led by right-wing nationalist Naftali Bennett gained confidence. A family spokesperson stated, "The Netanyahu family left the home on Balfour Street shortly after midnight." Over the weekend, trucks and black cars were spotted outside the official residence. The leader of the right-wing Likud party served as prime minister for 12 consecutive years and had a previous three-year term, marking a precedent in the Israeli state. He remained in power despite facing corruption charges, which Netanyahu denies, claiming they are a conspiracy orchestrated by his opponents. Four elections were held in Israel in less than two years, resulting in the country experiencing the longest period of political stagnation before Netanyahu was ousted from power. Hard-line nationalist Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who leads an ideologically diverse government coalition, took the oath of office on June 13. Nevertheless, the former prime minister continued to host prominent figures at his residence, such as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during former President Donald Trump’s administration, Nikki Haley. Bennett’s and Netanyahu’s offices announced late last month that the deadline for the former prime minister to vacate the residence was set for July 10. Netanyahu left the residence shortly after the agreed-upon deadline. The group "Crime Minister," which has organized weekly protests outside Netanyahu’s former residence for over a year, commented on his departure. They wrote on their Facebook account, "The accused and his family fled like thieves in the night." The new Israeli prime minister will take over the official residence later on Sunday.