In press conference Sunday, PM announces he will replace Lieberman; Calls to avoid elections amidst Israel’s “Complex security situations”: Netanyahu: I have a clear plan. I know what to do, and when to do it. And I’ll do it.
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Prime Minister Netanyahu announced he would take over the position of defense minister warning against elections during one of the most “complex security situations” known to Israel.
During a press conference Sunday evening, the prime minister gave a televised address in which he announced he would replace former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman who resigned from his post last week. Lieberman cited the government’s ongoing mishandling of the Gaza situation as well as recent ceasefire with Hamas as his reasons for stepping down.
Netanyahu has been meeting with MK’s and government officials in attempts to avoid early elections, citing Israel’s security situation. He stated on Sunday “We are in one of the most complex security situations and during a period like this, you don’t topple a government. During a period like this you don’t go to elections.” He assured the Israeli public, “I have a clear plan. I know what to do, and when to do it. And I’ll do it.”
Reports claimed Yisrael Beitenu party, which includes Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, would leave the current government coalition. Bennett demanded to replace Lieberman as defense minister claiming his party would leave the coalition if he was not appointed. On Monday, however, he announced his party would not leave the coalition.
Netanyahu, who is also Israel’s Foreign Minister, is set to appoint one of his party’s ministers as the new foreign minister.
Photo: Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock.com
