Israeli opposition lawmaker Gideon Sa’ar has rejoined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, a move announced on Sunday in a joint press conference. Sa’ar, a longtime critic of Netanyahu and former justice minister, will serve as a minister without a portfolio and join the security cabinet. The inclusion of his four-member New Hope – United Right party expands the coalition from 64 to 68 members in the 120-seat Knesset, providing Netanyahu with a stronger majority and reducing the influence of far-right factions within the government. The coalition has been under pressure as the war in Gaza continues, a ground operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon seems imminent, and the country endures attacks from Iranian proxy forces based in Yemen and Iraq.
Sa’ar’s return to the government comes months after he resigned in March, citing frustration with the government’s war policies. At Sunday’s press conference, Sa’ar emphasized the need for national unity during the ongoing conflict. “There’s no point continuing to sit in the opposition,” he said, adding that working within the government is “the patriotic and right thing to do now.” Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, saying that the two had put their past political differences aside for the sake of Israel’s security. He praised Sa’ar’s ability to propose “creative solutions to complex problems.”
Sa’ar’s return is also seen as a way to stabilize Netanyahu’s government, which has been struggling in the polls and facing internal discord. The addition of Sa’ar’s party bolsters Netanyahu’s ability to pass critical legislation, including a new military conscription law requiring ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students to serve in the military, a contentious issue that has threatened to destabilize the coalition.
While Sa’ar’s reentry strengthens Netanyahu’s position, it is not expected to lead to significant changes in the government’s security policies. However, his presence may limit the power of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has threatened to bolt the coalition if military operations in Gaza cease.