Although he was replaced as Prime Minister of Israel last Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to leave Beit Aghion, the official residence of the Israeli Prime Minister, and continues to host dignitaries there like he’s still in charge.
The New York Times reports that while there is typically a grace period for ousted prime ministers to leave the residence due to the fast turn-around of the administration, Netanyahu has not provided Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett a timetable for his departure. Netanyahu has told allies that he expects to be reappointed Prime Minister again soon, although the current coalition government has a four-year plan to stay in power, including a transition to a new prime minister in two years.
Technically the head of the opposition party in the Knesset, Netanyahu has hosted dignitaries at Beit Aghion as though he were still head of state. One of his guests: former United States UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who stopped by earlier this week. A Republican, Haley was appointed to her position by Donald Trump, who also refuses to acknowledge he lost reelection.
Haley posted a photo to Twitter, referring to Netanyahu as “Prime Minister,” a major breach of protocol and a slap in the face for the Bennett.
“Semantics matter,” tweeted Amir Haskel, a veteran Israeli anti-Netanyahu campaigner. “From today say: Parliament Member Benjamin Netanyahu, chairman of the opposition, (former prime minister).”
Time with Prime Minister @netanyahu is always invaluable. His contributions to Israeli security and prosperity are historic. We have not heard the last from him. pic.twitter.com/RX9PVzVl64
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) June 14, 2021
Like Trump, Netanyahu has a number of personally-owned residences he can move to, including beach front property. Bennett’s staff have communicated to Netanyahu that they expect him to be out of Beit Aghion by the end of the month.