ISRAEL is set to swear in a new government today, ending Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year stint as the country’s prime minister.

Naftali Bennett, the head of a small ultra-nationalist party, will take over as PM, but if he wants to keep the job, he will have to maintain an unwieldy coalition of parties from the political right, left and centre.

The eight parties, including a small Arab faction that is making history by sitting in the ruling coalition, are united in their opposition to Mr Netanyahu and new elections — but agree on little else.

Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, remains the head of the largest party in parliament and is expected to vigorously oppose the new government.

If one faction bolts, the coalition could lose its majority and would be at risk of collapse, giving him an opening to return to power.

The country’s deep divisions were on vivid display as Mr Bennett addressed the Knesset ahead of the vote. He was repeatedly interrupted and loudly heckled by supporters of Mr Netanyahu, several of whom were escorted out of the chamber.

Mr Bennett’s speech mostly dwelled on domestic issues, but he expressed opposition to US efforts to revive Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers.

“Israel will not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons,” Mr Bennett said, vowing to maintain his predecessor’s confrontational policy.

“Israel will not be a party to the agreement and will continue to preserve full freedom of action.”

Mr Netanyahu said: “If it is destined for us to be in the opposition, we will do it with our backs straight until we topple this dangerous government and return to lead the country in our way.”

The new government is promising a return to “normalcy” after a tumultuous two years that saw four elections, the continued oppression of the Palestinians — including an 11-day barrage of Gaza last month that killed over 250 people, mostly civilians — and a coronavirus outbreak that has devastated the economy.

The new government is expected to win a narrow majority in the 120-member assembly, after which it will be sworn in. The government planned to hold its first official meeting later last night.