Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday appointed right-wing politician Naftali Bennett of the New Right party as defense minister in his caretaker government.
The move appears aimed at shoring up opposition to attempts by Netanyahu's chief rival, Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz, to form Israel's next government.
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Bennett's appointment appeared to be an attempt by Netanyahu to stymie Gantz's coalition negotiations, which include discussions with right-wing parties.
"Appointing a 'temporary placeholder' to the position of defense minister is unworthy of the most sensitive establishment in the state," Blue and White said in a statement.
"As usual with Netanyahu, the cynical appointment of Bennett stems from a narrow political and personal interest, and not from a view of what's best for the defense establishment and the State of Israel," the statement said. "Israel deserves a prime minister who puts Israel above all else. Blue and White will continue working to establish a government in general and a unity government specifically."
Bennett previously served in Netanyahu's cabinet as education minister.
New Right co-leader Ayelet Shaked, a former justice minister, confirmed that the party accepted the defense portfolio for Bennett. The appointment will need the government's approval and Netanyahu's cabinet is to meet on Sunday in Jerusalem.
The New Right will also be merging with Netanyahu's Likud, a Likud spokesman said, adding that Bennett agreed another person would be appointed defense chief if a unity government or narrow right-wing coalition is formed.
Gantz is in the process of trying to cobble a majority coalition after inconclusive elections in September and after Netanyahu had the first go but failed to put together a government.
But Gantz faces a difficult time securing a parliamentary majority and prospects for an unprecedented third election – perhaps sometime early next year – are growing.
Neither leader has been capable of forming a coalition government with Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party, which has refused to endorse either candidate and instead called for a national unity government.
However, unity talks have repeatedly stalled, in part because of Netanyahu's legal troubles.
The embattled Netanyahu, who until Friday has also held the post of defense minister, is facing possible indictment of corruption charges that threaten his political career. He has demanded that he head a unity government, a position in which he would be poised to battle any criminal charges. Gantz says he can't sit with a Netanyahu-led cabinet in which the prime minister faces indictments.
Nitzan Horowitz, leader of the left-wing Democratic Union party, lambasted the appointment, writing on Twitter: "[Netanyahu] doesn't mind using any contemptible trick to hold on to his seat and evade justice."
