Israeli opposition lawmaker Gideon Saar is rejoining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, the two said on Sunday, a step that is likely to strengthen the premier politically.
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The hawkish Saar, who has been one of Netanyahu’s most vocal critics in the past few years, is set to serve as a minister without a portfolio and have a seat in the prime minister’s security cabinet, Israeli television station N12 said.
Expanding the government to include Saar strengthens Netanyahu by making him less reliant on other members of his ruling coalition, which has been struggling in the polls as it presses on with a war in Gaza and against Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
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“Difficult and trying days lie ahead,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “This move contributes to our own unity and to our unity in the face of our enemies.”
Saar and Netanyahu said they were putting their past rifts aside.