Jerusalem:

A former minister and rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the government on Sunday, strengthening an existing coalition as Israel battles militant groups on multiple fronts.

Gideon Saar, who held several ministerial posts in previous governments, rejoined the cabinet as a minister without portfolio.

“I appreciate the fact that Gideon Saar has responded to my request and agreed to return to the government today,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

“This initiative contributes to unity within us and unity against our enemies.”

Saar’s return gives Netanyahu an additional four seats in Israel’s parliament, bringing his total to 68 out of 120.

That reduces Netanyahu’s risk of defecting from far-right National Security Minister Atmar Ben Guerr, who has repeatedly threatened to topple the government if it sides with Hamas in the Gaza Strip or Hezbollah in Lebanon. Agrees to a cease-fire agreement.

But Saar, who is considered more right-wing than Netanyahu, has hawkish tendencies and advocates the annexation of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Just five years ago, Saar openly challenged Netanyahu for the leadership of Israel’s right-wing Likud party.

Although he took part in the emergency government formed in the wake of the October 7 attack by Hamas that started the war in Gaza, he joined the opposition in March after failing to secure a place in the war cabinet.

(Other than the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

(tag to translate) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu



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