Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Shimon Peres that he formed a government coalition.
The leaders met Saturday night at the president's residence in
Jerusalem, one day after Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett -- leaders of
the Yesh Atid and Jewish Home parties, respectively -- signed a contract
with Netanyahu on Friday, ending negotiations that had been under way
since the Jan. 22 election.
The coalition will include 68 of the Knesset's 120 parliamentarians. The new government is expected to be sworn in on Sunday.
Yesh Atid and Jewish Home join the Likud-Beiteinu faction led by Netanyahu. Hatnua, chaired by Tzipi Livni, also is on board.
"We are standing before a decisive year in terms of security, economy
and in efforts to progress peace," Netanyahu told Peres. "The citizens
of Israel wanted change. This government shows cooperation, and I
believe that we will be able to bring news in all these fields to all
the citizens of Israel. That is my mission and I know that it is your
prayer."
Netanyahu on Sunday named former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff
Moshe Ya'alon as defense minister. The prime minister was scheduled to
meet Sunday with other Likud lawmakers to assign ministerial positions
and committee chairmanships.
A statement issued Saturday by the White House congratulated
Netanyahu on forming a new government in advance of President Obama's
visit on March 20.
"President Obama looks forward to working closely with the Prime
Minister and the new government to address the many challenges we face
and advance our shared interest in peace and security," the statement
said. "The United States places a high value on its deep and enduring
bonds with Israel and the Israeli people. The President looks forward to
further strengthening those bonds when he travels to Israel next week
to meet with Israeli officials and to speak directly with the Israeli
people."
http://www.jta.org/news/article/2013/03/17/3122231/netanyahu-meets-with-peres-to-present-new-government?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Sunday 17 March 2013
United States of Israel Congratulates Netanyahu for Forming New Government
Posted @ 16:03
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