“Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, spent what might be his last minutes in power, at least for now, by defending his record, promising to remain in politics as leader of the opposition, and denouncing his nominated successor, Naftali Bennett. At a parliamentary debate ahead of a vote of confidence in Mr. Bennett’s government, Mr. Netanyahu gave what felt like a valedictory speech, listing what he perceived to be his accomplishments in office.”

“He noted his efforts to keep Iran from becoming a nuclear power and lauded four diplomatic agreements with Arab countries, completed during his tenure, that upended assumptions that Israel would only shore up relations with the Arab world after it had sealed peace with the Palestinians. He also highlighted several favorable moves by the Trump administration that he championed, including American recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and the installation of an American Embassy in the city. ‘Our successes turned Israel from a fringe state to a leading power,’ Mr. Netanyahu said. Then he warned of the harm that he believes a Bennett-led government poses to Israel, and railed against legislation, proposed by the new government, that would limit the ability of prime ministers to remain in office after eight years in power, as he did. ‘If we have to be in opposition, we will do this standing tall – until we bring down this dangerous government and return to lead the state,’ Mr. Netanyahu said” – New York Times.