Pro-settler govt takes power in Israel

ISRAEL: A new Israeli governing coalition with a strong showing of pro-settlement hardliners formally took office late on Monday after confirmation by parliament days before a landmark US presidential visit.

“During all three periods in which I had the privilege to govern the state of Israel, I don’t remember a more challenging period,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the first meeting of his new Cabinet as he began his third term of office.

He spoke of “dangers on one side, opportunities on the other and, of course the expectations of Israeli citizens.” “I think that it is within our ability to meet all the challenges,” he saidin remarks carried live by public television.

Earlier Israel’s 120-member parliament approved Netanyahu’s new cabinet by 68 votes to 48.

Although the lineup includes two centrist parties -- Yesh Atid (19 seats) and HaTnuah (six seats) -- which want to renew peace talks, it is dominated by the hawkish Likud-Beitenu (31 seats) and its new national-religious ally, Jewish Home (12 seats), a far-right faction that is party of choice for settlers. Addressing MPs before the parliament vote, Netanyahu thanked the country for electing him as premier for a third term and pledged to represent all of Israel’s citizens, as well as defend them against regional threats such as Iran’s nuclear programme.

“The top priority of the new government is the defence of the security of the state and its citizens,” he said, adding that Israel faced “very great threats” from Iran and Syria.

AFP