Gideon Saar Rejoins Netanyahu's Government Amid Gaza and Lebanon Conflicts

Israeli opposition lawmaker Gideon Saar has rejoined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, a move that strengthens Netanyahu politically. Saar will serve as a minister without portfolio and join the security cabinet. His inclusion bolsters Netanyahu's ruling coalition amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and with Lebanon's Hezbollah.

Israeli opposition lawmaker Gideon Saar is rejoining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, a step that is likely to strengthen the premier politically. The hawkish Saar, a past vocal critic of Netanyahu, will serve as a minister without portfolio and have a seat in the prime minister's security cabinet, according to Israeli television station N12.

This expansion strengthens Netanyahu's position by making him less reliant on other coalition members, amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza and against Lebanon's Hezbollah. 'Difficult and trying days lie ahead,' Netanyahu said. 'This move contributes to our unity in facing our enemies.'

Saar and Netanyahu have put aside their past rifts. 'We will work together, shoulder to shoulder, and I intend to seek his (Saar's) assistance in forums that influence the conduct of the war,' Netanyahu said.

Opposed to Palestinian statehood for security reasons, Saar is ideologically further right than Netanyahu. However, his joining is not expected to significantly impact security policy.

By bringing his four-seat party into the government, Saar gives Netanyahu a solid 68-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament, aiding in passing a contentious military conscription law. The law has created divisions within Netanyahu's coalition, especially with two ultra-Orthodox parties. Saar's inclusion also reduces the influence of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has threatened the government over its war policies.

Saar, 57, previously a senior Likud member, left after a failed leadership challenge to form his party in 2020. He has been a fierce critic of Netanyahu, who faces a long-running corruption trial. After Hamas' October attack sparked the Gaza war, Saar joined Netanyahu's emergency unity government but left in March over war policy frustrations. (Edited by James Mackenzie, Sharon Singleton, and Helen Popper)

(With inputs from agencies.)