The meeting between the outgoing and incoming prime ministers lasted 45 minutes, and dealt with security issues. Netanyahu: “The meeting was businesslike”
Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid met at the end of the government swearing-in ceremony for an overlapping meeting. The heads of staff of the two, Tzachi Braverman and Danny Wesley, also participated in the meeting. The incoming Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer entered the Prime Minister’s office during the meeting, but it is not clear if he joined the meeting or just waited in the Prime Minister’s office.
The meeting between Netanyahu and Lapid lasted 45 minutes and dealt with the security matters at hand. It should be noted that Lapid left Netanyahu a note in which he wrote two words “Lapid 2024” implying that this will be the year he returns to the leadership of the country.
Upon leaving the meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu told the media teams: “The meeting was to the point. We will continue to meet at the monthly meetings.” It should be noted that the meeting between the two was the first since Netanyahu was sworn in after Lapid did not shake Netanyahu’s hand in the plenum during the inauguration.
Netanyahu tonight in the Prime Minister’s office.
Immediately after the overlap meeting, a toasting ceremony was held for the members of the new government. Netanyahu said at the ceremony: “Says one thing – we are now breathing mountain air, but we are entering the coal mines and starting to work for the citizens of Israel.”
Later this evening, at 19:30, the government will meet for the first meeting. An hour later, the traditional photo shoot will take place at the President’s residence.
The note that Lapid left for Netanyahu in the Prime Minister’s office.