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Netanyahu leads united opposition into Israeli elections

After much political haggling, the coalition finally managed to disperse the Knesset, setting the date for the new elections as Nov. 1.
MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid probably didn't imagine the tumultuous way that he became prime minister. He was supposed to take over from Naftali Bennett at midnight last night, but with the Knesset so divided, neither bloc was even able to reach an accord on how the legislature would dissolve itself. Lapid was forced to wait well into the night, while Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu tried to form an alternative government right under his nose.

It took until late this morning for the 24th Knesset to vote to dissolve itself. It also decided that the next election would take place on Nov. 1, 2022.

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