Netanyahu Returns to Power as New Government Sworn In

Israel’s longest-serving leader, Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, returns to power with his coalition government being sworn in Thursday.

The day before, the incoming Prime Minister published the guiding principles and general program of his new coalition, which he will present to the Knesset for a confidence vote later in the day. Should all go according to plan, Netanyahu’s government – Israel’s 37th – will be sworn in Thursday afternoon.

According to reports, Netanyahu has decided to forgo the traditional ceremony of handing over the premiership with outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid, and will only participate in a brief transition meeting. Netanyahu previously refused to do the ceremony when Naftali Bennett took over in June 2021.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu summoned the Likud MKs one by one to a personal meeting in which he announced their positions.

Yoav Galant will be the next defense minister. Other appointments include Chaim Katz as tourism minister, Yoav Kisch as education minister, Avi Dichter as agriculture and rural development minister, Shlomo Karhi as communications minister, Miri Regev as transportation minister, Idit Silman as environmental protection minister, Miki Zohar as culture and sports minister, Ofir Akunis as science and technology minister, Amir Ohana as Knesset Speaker, Ofir Katz as coalition whip and Yuli Edelstein as chair of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, pending approval in a Likud faction meeting.

Ron Dermer, Israel’s former ambassador to the United States and a close political confidante of Netanyahu, will serve as minister of strategic affairs. Dermer was rumored to be a candidate for foreign minister. In the end, Netanyahu appointed MK Eli Cohen to the position. He also announced that Yisrael Katz was appointed as energy minister.