I24- Prime Minister-designate Naftali Bennett is expected to use his speaking time on Sunday after the new government is sworn in to congratulate Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the latter’s attacks on the chairman of the right-wing Yamina party.

After calling the coalition formed by centrist Yair Lapid a “dangerous leftist government,” Netanyahu should not suffer criticism from his successor during his official Knesset speech, Channel 12 reported on Friday.

This comes despite increased security threats to Bennett in recent weeks.

Bennett will aim primarily to reassure the public saying that the new government formed of eight parties – leaving in particular the ultra-Orthodox in the opposition – will devote itself to all social groups, Channel 12 reported.

Yair Lapid, who will serve as foreign minister during the first term of office, is expected to visit the United States this month, the channel said.

The other 26 ministers will take their seats in their respective offices immediately following the induction on Sunday.

Benjamin Netanyahu and his family will, however, be allowed to extend their stay at the prime minister’s official residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem for several more weeks, with no official rule setting a deadline for leaving the premises.

Mr. Bennett, for his part, indicated that he was not currently considering leaving his home in Raanana to settle full-time in Balfour.

For the time being, no communication has been established between the office of Netanyahu and Bennett’s team in order to coordinate the transition between the two officials, Channel 12 said.

Nor has it been revealed whether the outgoing prime minister will attend the traditional handover ceremony on Monday.