Gideon Sa’ar will join the government, Israeli media reported Sunday night.
According to Ma’ariv, he is expected to join as a cabinet member and minister with no portfolio, as is Ze’ev Elkin.
Sa’ar is expected to host a joint announcement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce the news.
According to N12, with Sa’ar’s four mandates, the coalition is expected to grow to 68 members, effectively nullifying Itamar Ben-Gvir‘s veto power.
If Ben-Gvir were to leave the government, the coalition would have 62 members.
Netanyahu and Sa’ar’s statement
“This shift in the balance of power brings the possibility of forming new alliances in our region because Israel is winning,” Netanyahu said in his statement.
“At the outbreak of the war, I immediately acted to form the broadest and most stable government possible. That’s why I greatly appreciated Benny Gantz and Gideon Sa’ar joining the government, and I was sorry when they left. For the same reason, I appreciate the fact that Gideon Sa’ar accepted my request and agreed to return to the government today.”
Netanyahu then added, “This move contributes to unity within us and unity against our enemies… It’s no secret that we’ve had disagreements in the past, but since October 7, we have both put all past issues behind us.”
The Prime Minister thanked Sa’ar for accepting the role.
“Gideon, I greatly appreciate your decision. You are rising to the occasion and putting all other considerations aside. In these fateful days, I am certain that you will make a significant contribution to managing the war and to our country.”
Sa’ar then began to speak, saying, “Our beloved country has been engaged in a fierce war on multiple fronts for nearly a year. This is a historic test, and we have only one way to end it: with the upper hand.”
“That’s why I joined the government after October 7. Unfortunately, despite my support for the war’s objectives, I had to resign in March because I felt I couldn’t effectively influence as a member of the war cabinet.”
Sa’ar said he believed joining Netanyhau’s government was “the patriotic and right thing to do at this time.”
“I am rejoining the government without a coalition agreement at this stage,” he said, “but with a clear worldview and a strong patriotic approach for the sake of our people.”
He continued, “Remaining in the opposition, where most of its members’ positions on the war differ and are even far from mine, has no purpose. This is a time when my duty is to try and contribute to the decision-making table. In recent days, the government, led by Netanyahu, has demonstrated remarkable resolve. The IDF acted perfectly. As the war continues, we will need determination alongside sound judgment.”
“No easy decisions lie ahead, only difficult ones.”
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