Why it matters: Bennett’s announcement comes as the Israeli Knesset is set to vote in early elections.
As soon as elections are called, Bennett will be replaced by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. Bennett will remain deputy prime minister until the election.
Game situation: It is unlikely that the voting for the elections, which was expected on Wednesday, will take place before midnight local time. That means Lapid will not become prime minister until midnight on Thursday. Behind the scenes: In recent days, Bennett has been giving mixed messages about his political intentions and has come under pressure from many of his supporters to stay in the race with his current Yemina party. What he says: “I will continue to help Yair Lapid as long as he needs to. I am only interested in what is good for the country,” Bennett said on Wednesday.
He added that it was time to move away from politics. He said he would hand over the leadership of the party to his deputy, Ayelet Shaked.
What to watch for: Shaked, a conservative right-wing politician, will have to rebuild the party and decide on his direction in the upcoming elections. Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.
