Israel MPs confirm new pro-settler govt
2013-03-18 22:20
Jerusalem - The Israeli parliament gave its seal of
approval on Monday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new governing
coalition, which includes a strong showing of pro-settlement hardliners.
A motion of confidence in the new administration,
broadcast live on public television, gave it 68 votes in favour and 48 against.
Netanyahu and his 21 ministers then took their oaths of
office before the house and were to hold their first cabinet meeting immediately
afterwards.
After more than 40 days of tortuous coalition
negotiations, the government finally took office just two days before a
landmark visit by US President Barack Obama.
Although the line-up includes two centrist parties - Yesh
Atid (19 seats) and HaTnuah (six seats) - which want to renew peace talks, it
is dominated by the hawkish Likud-Beitenu (31 seats) and its new
national-religious ally, Jewish Home (12 seats), a far-right faction that is
party of choice for settlers.
Addressing MPs at the start of the session, Netanyahu
thanked the country for electing him as premier for a third term and pledged to
represent all of Israel's citizens, as well as defend them from regional
threats such as Iran's nuclear programme.
"The top priority of the new government is the
defence of the security of the state and its citizens," he said, adding
that Israel faced "very great threats" from Iran and Syria.
