Israel’s Netanyahu strengthens his hold on office by adding a rival to his Cabinet

Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a former rival as a member of his Cabinet. Sunday’s appointment of Gideon Saar will expand his coalition and likely strengthen his hold on office. Under their agreement, Netanyahu said Saar would be given a spot in the Security Cabinet, which oversees the management of the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. Saar had hoped to replace Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, another rival of Netanyahu’s. But a deal to become defense minister fell through several weeks ago after fighting intensified with Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border. His appointment will likely scale back the influence of ultranationalist members of Netanyahu’s coalition.