Israel's new coalition government to be sworn in today
Purchase this article for republication
Buy SPH photosJERUSALEM (AFP) - Israel's new coalition government, which includes a strong showing of pro-settlement hardliners, was to be sworn in on Monday just two days before a top-level visit by US President Barack Obama.
Following more than 40 days of tortuous negotiations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday announced he had managed to piece together a new government with a majority of 68 within the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament.
Israel's 33rd government will be formally sworn in before parliament in a ceremony which will begin at 1300 GMT (9pm Singapore time).
Despite a strong showing by the new secular centrist Yesh Atid party (19 seats), the lineup is predominantly rightwing with several key ministries handed to settler activists who have vowed to advance construction across the Green Line.
