"I can't accept a Palestinian state or territorial concessions, isolated settlements in the heart of Palestinian territory, or most of Judea and Samaria remaining in Palestinian hands," MK Gideon Sa'ar tells Channel 12's "Meet the Press."
Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid blasts "corrupt" new government in a speech at swearing-in ceremony.
After a 509-day-long political gridlock, and in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the new government's induction was anything but festive.
PM and rival Benny Gantz address the Knesset as the parliament convenes to induct the 35th Israeli government. Power-sharing deal envisions a rotating premiership in 18 months.
Yoav Gallant named education minister, Gila Gamliel to head the Environmental Protection Ministry. Contrary to previous promises to avoid an oversized government, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz chooses to use all the portfolios at his disposal.
Veteran Likud officials spurn low-level offers, express resentment at plums given to supposedly unqualified representatives. Meanwhile, the haredi parties are talking about compelling PM Netanyahu to bring Yamina into the government.
"A Regev appointment means to destroy a ministry, not build it up," one diplomat says. "Miri Regev is the least-qualified person for the job," Likud official blasts.
Party leader Rafi Peretz will be named Jerusalem Affairs minister and will also head national projects. The decision comes only hours before the Likud-Blue and White government is slated to be sworn in and on the heels of Yamina's decision to join the opposition.
The Israeli government will establish an emergency cabinet to handle all matters pertaining to the coronavirus, according to the new government’s basic guidelines, published on Wednesday night.
With novice politicians slated to head half of the ministries, a serious shakeup in Likud, and coming off 18 months of minimal activity over the political logjam, the new government is facing more than one uphill battle.
