Netanyahu Appoints Gideon Saar to Strengthen Coalition in Israel

In a significant political maneuver, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed former rival Gideon Saar to his Cabinet. This decision, made on Sunday, aims to bolster Netanyahu's coalition and reinforce his grip on power amid ongoing challenges. The appointment comes at a time when Netanyahu is navigating a complex political landscape, including a contentious corruption trial and pressing domestic issues.

Gideon Saar, a seasoned politician at 57 years old, will serve as a minister without portfolio and will be part of the Security Cabinet, which is responsible for overseeing Israel's military strategies against its adversaries in the Middle East. This move is particularly noteworthy as Saar had previously aspired to replace Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, another of Netanyahu's rivals. However, negotiations for this position fell through due to escalating tensions with Hezbollah along Israel's northern border, leaving Gallant in his role for now.

Once a prominent figure in Netanyahu's Likud party, Saar's relationship with the Prime Minister has been tumultuous. He departed from the party four years ago, accusing Netanyahu of transforming it into a "cult of personality" amid the Prime Minister's ongoing corruption allegations. Since then, Saar has led a smaller conservative party but has struggled to gain significant public support.

Despite their past differences, both Netanyahu and Saar share a hard-line stance against Israel's Arab adversaries. In recent statements, Saar has emphasized the necessity of combating Hamas and has advocated for stronger actions against Iran, which supports Hezbollah. Both leaders also firmly oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state, aligning their ideologies despite their personal animosities.

The timing of this appointment appears to be influenced by Netanyahu's need to solidify his political standing. He faces several critical challenges in the near future, including the controversial issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox men into the military, passing a national budget, and addressing his ongoing corruption trial. Saar's presence in the Cabinet is expected to assist Netanyahu in navigating these complex issues.

Furthermore, this agreement may also diminish the influence of ultranationalist members within Netanyahu's coalition. Figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have threatened to destabilize the government over potential concessions in ceasefire negotiations, may find their power curtailed with Saar's inclusion.

Ultimately, this appointment not only provides Saar with a chance to rejuvenate his political career but also expands Netanyahu's coalition to a more robust majority of 68 seats in the 120-seat parliament. As the political landscape in Israel continues to evolve, the implications of this alliance will be closely watched, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts and the pressing need for effective governance.