Israel’s Netanyahu bolsters government with opposition lawmaker Saar

Israeli prime minister strengthens his hold on office by adding a rival to his cabinet

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Gideon Saar will serve as a minister without portfolio and serve in the Security Cabinet Photo: Reuters

Published: 3:41am, 30 Sep 2024Updated: 12:30pm, 30 Sep 2024

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.

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.

“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.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Saar and Netanyahu said they were putting their past rifts aside.

“We will work together, shoulder to shoulder, and I intend to seek his [Saar’s] assistance in the forums that influence the conduct of the war,” Netanyahu said.