Israel's designated PM heckled while presenting new govt

Israel's designated new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett presented his coalition government on Sunday while being incessantly heckled by supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported Xinhua.

Lawmakers with Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party loudly interrupted Bennett, accusing him of betraying them by joining forces with centrist Yair Lapid to form a unity government.

Bennett, a leader of the pro-settler party of Yamina, was attempting to deliver a speech to present the principles of the new eight-party government.

Later on Sunday, the parliament is expected to hold a vote of confidence for the new government.

In his speech, Bennett vowed that the new coalition government will serve the entire citizens of Israel, and start a healing process after Netanyahu's "divisive" 12-year rule.

The diverse coalition includes a small Arab party, marking the first time an Arab party sitting in a governing coalition.

Lapid is expected to serve as foreign minister and alternate prime minister for two years before rotating with Bennett.

The new government is being formed after four elections in two years and a lingering political deadlock.

If formally approved in the vote, the new government will end the rule of Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, who is on trial for corruption.