Netanyahu Bolsters Cabinet with Former Rival Gideon Saar

In a strategic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed former rival Gideon Saar to his Cabinet, expanding his coalition and reinforcing his governmental control. The decision, announced on September 29, 2024, places Saar in the role of minister without portfolio and grants him a position in the Security Cabinet, the body overseeing Israel's ongoing military operations in the Middle East.

Gideon Saar, 57, brings a wealth of experience to the Cabinet. A veteran politician, Saar previously served as Minister of Education from 2009 to 2013 and Minister of Interior from 2013 to 2014. His appointment comes after a period of political tension between the two figures, highlighting the complex dynamics within Israeli politics.

Saar's political journey has been marked by significant shifts. Four years ago, he departed from Netanyahu's Likud party, citing concerns over its leadership direction. Since then, Saar has led a small conservative party, struggling to gain widespread public support. Despite their personal differences, Saar and Netanyahu share similar hard-line ideologies regarding Israel's regional adversaries.

In recent months, Saar has advocated for a robust military response against Hamas and called for stronger action against Hezbollah's sponsor, Iran. His stance aligns closely with Netanyahu's, particularly in their opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state and support for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank.

The appointment appears to serve multiple political purposes for Netanyahu. In the coming weeks, the Prime Minister faces several critical challenges, including the contentious issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox men into the army, passing a budget, and continuing his long-running corruption trial. Saar's support is expected to be valuable in navigating these issues.

Moreover, this move may potentially diminish the influence of ultranationalist members within the coalition, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have threatened to destabilize the government over potential concessions in cease-fire negotiations.

For Saar, who aspires to become Prime Minister one day, this appointment offers an opportunity to revitalize his political career. His extensive background, including his service in the IDF's Golani Brigade and his academic achievements in political science and law from Tel Aviv University, positions him as a significant asset to the Cabinet.

The agreement between Netanyahu and Saar expands the coalition to 68 seats in the 120-seat parliament, strengthening the government's position. Both leaders have stated that they have set aside their differences for the benefit of the nation, emphasizing unity in the face of ongoing regional challenges.

As Israel continues to navigate complex security and political landscapes, the inclusion of Saar in the Cabinet adds a new dimension to the government's decision-making process. His experience in education reform, advocacy for judicial changes, and stance on economic liberalization may influence future policy directions.

"We have put our differences aside for the good of the nation."

This Cabinet reshuffle underscores the fluid nature of Israeli politics and the pragmatic alliances formed in pursuit of national interests. As the government faces ongoing challenges both domestically and internationally, the impact of this new appointment on Israel's political trajectory remains to be seen.