Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has bolstered his government by bringing opposition lawmaker Gideon Saar back into the fold as a minister without portfolio. This strategic move comes as Netanyahu seeks to strengthen his position amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Saar, who previously left the Likud party after a leadership challenge, had rejoined an emergency unity government following the October 7 Hamas attack but departed in March due to disagreements over war policies. His return adds four seats to Netanyahu's coalition, giving the Prime Minister a majority of 68 in the 120-seat parliament [c494d17c].
The inclusion of Saar is seen as a significant step towards unifying the government against perceived enemies, particularly in light of the escalating conflict with Hamas and tensions with Hezbollah along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of unity during this critical time, as the Israeli military continues its operations in Gaza and faces increasing international scrutiny regarding its actions [c494d17c].
In recent discussions, Netanyahu has also been urged to denounce sanctions against Judea and Samaria to the US Congress, with Israeli lawmakers expressing concerns that such sanctions could undermine Israeli sovereignty and security. They believe that a strong denunciation from Netanyahu could help mitigate international pressure on Israel [d6423118].
As the situation evolves, Netanyahu's government faces challenges not only from external threats but also from internal political dynamics. The Prime Minister's recent meetings with US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and special envoy Amos Hochstein, have focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza [efbeb4b7].
With the ongoing conflict and the shifting political landscape, Netanyahu's coalition is under pressure to maintain stability while navigating complex security challenges and international relations [5f91f1aa].