BICOM

Israel’s prime minister has announced Yisrael Beitenu’s leader as the new defence minister, after cabinet and Knesset approval.

Immediately following the ceremony, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed their commitment towards a two-state solution and endorsed the possibility of a wider regional peace based on the Arab Peace Initiative. Lieberman finally entered office after a last-minute demand by Jewish Home leader and Education Minister Naftali Bennett was met, that a military attache should report to the security cabinet.

Minutes after being sworn in, Lieberman appeared at a joint press conference with Netanyahu, who said: “I remain committed to making peace with the Palestinians and with all our neighbours. The Arab Peace Initiative includes positive elements that can help revive constructive negotiations with the Palestinians. We are willing to negotiate with the Arab states revisions to that initiative.”

The Arab peace initiative refers to a Saudi-spearheaded plan, which would see a pan-Arab rapprochement with Israel, in return for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Israeli leaders have typically been circumspect over its details.

Lieberman said: “I listened to everything you [Netanyahu] said and I absolutely agree with every word, including two states for two peoples,” recognising that there had been “a lot of speculation about what the policy of the government would be”. Lieberman added: “I absolutely agree that the Arab [Peace] initiative also has some very, very positive elements that enable a serious dialogue with all our neighbours in the region.”

Both Netanyahu and Lieberman praised Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his recent public call to renew peace talks.

Meanwhile, senior Likud MK Tzachi Hanegbi has been appointed Minister without Portfolio, but will apparently deal with foreign affairs, including any diplomatic initiatives.

At yesterday’s Knesset session, opposition leader Isaac Herzog called on Kulanu leader Moshe Kahlon to leave the government. Kulanu-affiliated Avi Gabbai resigned last week as Environment Minister over Lieberman’s appointment. Meanwhile, Yair Lapid told his Yesh Atid faction, “Our politics is busy with itself… appointments… and totally unnecessary ego battles.”