Benjamin Netanyahu’s run as the longest-serving Israeli prime minister may be coming to an end.

A former ally of the Israeli Prime Minister has agreed to join a rival coalition of parties in a major step towards ending the veteran leader’s rule.

Naftali Bennett – the leader of the small right-wing party Yamina revealed he is working towards a new coalition agreement with Yair Lapid who’s the leader of the centrist party Yesh Atid, to join a new government.

It’s a major event in Israeli politics and if the coalition is sworn in it would bring an end to Netanyahu’s 12 years as prime minister.

In a prime-time address on Sunday local time, Bennett told Israelis he is joining the new government to prevent the fifth round of elections and “rescue the country from spin.”

Deadline looming

While Mr Bennett and Yair Lapid, still face some challenges ahead, the sides appeared to be serious about reaching a deal and ending the deadlock that has plunged the country into four elections in the past two years.

The pair have until Wednesday to complete a deal.

That deal is expected to serve two years as prime minister in a rotation, with Mr Bennett holding the job first.