Netanyahu announces formation of 35th Israeli government
'I have managed to form a government,' Israeli PM writes to president ahead of swear in ceremony Thursday
Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday night the formation of the country's 35th government in a letter sent to President Reuven Rivlin and Knesset (Israel Parliament) Speaker Benny Gantz.
"I have managed to form a government," Netanyahu wrote. "I intend to present the Knesset the next government as defined in clause 13 A(a) of Basic Law: The Government."
The government, which will be sworn in tomorrow at 3 pm (EST), is expected to comprise the Jewish state’s largest government ever conceived with 34 ministers and 72 Members of Knesset.
Likud ally and right-wing Yamina party will remain in the opposition, broadcaster Channel 12 reported.
Meanwhile, the ministerial round of appointments within the Likud continues.
Culture Minister Miri Regev was reportedly offered the foreign minister role during Benny Gantz’s tenure as prime minister come October 2021. Earlier, Regev released a statement saying if she doesn’t receive the Public Security Ministry she would want nothing more than remaining a lawmaker.
But Channel 12 reported that incumbent Justice Minister Amir Ohana is deemed for that role as his law enforcement experience provides him an advantage over Regev.