Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Gideon Saar from the opposition, along with four members of his party, joined the government and expanded his coalition. Netanyahu’s coalition in the 120-seat parliament increased to 68 members.

While the Israeli army continues its bombardments in Gaza and Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement regarding his government.

Netanyahu announced that after long negotiations, Gideon Saar from the opposition and his party joined the coalition.

As a result, the number of members in Netanyahu’s government in the 120-seat parliament increased to 68. It was reported that Saar, who will not take on any ministerial position, will join the political cabinet and the narrowed security cabinet. Netanyahu, in his speech, stated that “changes in power balances could lead to the formation of new alliances in the region” and added, “Israeli citizens, I tell you, these are also challenging days. We are in the midst of a tough war with a heavy price.” The Israeli press evaluated that with Saar joining the cabinet, Netanyahu will be more secure against threats from coalition partners, especially from far-right allies, to overthrow the government. Previously, Gideon Saar, who engaged in politics under the Likud party led by Netanyahu, had run against Netanyahu for leadership in 2019 but was unsuccessful. Saar engaged in politics with his own party in 2020 and was part of the coalition that removed Netanyahu from power for a year in 2021. Recently, rumors emerged in Israel that Saar was negotiating with Netanyahu to join the government.