Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that calling snap elections now would be “irresponsible” as he vowed to push on despite a crisis in his coalition government.
Speaking in a televised address to the nation, Mr Netanyahu also said he would retain the defence ministry portfolio for now and work to convince his coalition partners to remain in the government.
“To go to elections now would be irresponsible,” Mr Netanyahu said. “The security of the country is above political considerations.”
Education minister Naftali Bennett’s far-right Jewish Home party has threatened to withdraw from the coalition if he is not named defence minister.
Mr Netanyahu spoke of his military experience in his address and said he could not publicly explain the sensitive security moves currently being taken by Israel.
The long-time leader made the appearance as he came under pressure over a ceasefire deal last week that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza since a 2014 war.
On Wednesday, defence minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned over the ceasefire, throwing the government into crisis.
After Mr Lieberman’s withdrawal along with his Yisrael Beitenu party, Mr Netanyahu’s government was left with a one-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament.
Mr Netanyahu spoke after a crucial meeting with finance minister Moshe Kahlon on resolving the coalition crisis.
Mr Kahlon’s office said earlier that his meeting with Mr Netanyahu ended without a conclusion but they would meet again later in the week.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Porsche Macan T: The Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 265hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,800-4,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Speed: 0-100kph in 6.2sec
Top speed: 232kph
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
On sale: May or June
Price: From Dh259,900
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National selections
Al Ain
5pm: Bolereau
5.30pm: Rich And Famous
6pm: Duc De Faust
6.30pm: Al Thoura
7pm: AF Arrab
7.30pm: Al Jazi
8pm: Futoon
Jebel Ali
1.45pm: AF Kal Noor
2.15pm: Galaxy Road
2.45pm: Dark Thunder
3.15pm: Inverleigh
3.45pm: Bawaasil
4.15pm: Initial
4.45pm: Tafaakhor
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THE BIO
Favourite author - Paulo Coelho
Favourite holiday destination - Cuba
New York Times or Jordan Times? NYT is a school and JT was my practice field
Role model - My Grandfather
Dream interviewee - Che Guevara
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
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