Lapid concedes defeat to Bibi in polls

TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s office says he has conceded defeat to former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in this week’s election.

A statement said Lapid congratulated Netanyahu and has instructed his office to prepare an organised transition of power. “The state of Israel comes before any political consideration,” Lapid said. “I wish

Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the state of Israel.”

Lapid, who has served as interim prime minister, made the announcement after a nearfinal vote count showed Netanyahu securing a majority. Lapid’s concession sets the former premier up to form what may be the most right-wing government in Israeli history.

AFP Israel’s former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.