Lapid concedes defeat, promises orderly transfer of power

Prime Minister Yair Lapid conceded defeat to Likud leader MK Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, after the Central Elections Committee finished counting the votes cast in Tuesday’s election.

Lapid called Netanyahu just before 7 p.m. and congratulated the opposition leader on his victory, the Prime Minister’s Office said. Lapid informed Netanyahu that he had instructed all branches of his administration to prepare an orderly transfer of power.