Netanyahu appoints critic Gideon Sa'ar in government in strategic power play

In a sudden political shift, "Israeli" opposition lawmaker Gideon Sa'ar has agreed to join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, a move announced by Netanyahu on Sunday. 

Sa'ar, who has been a prominent critic of Netanyahu in recent years, will assume the role of minister without a portfolio and will also take a position on the prime minister's security cabinet, according to reports from "Israeli" television station N12.

This appointment marks a significant turn in Sa'ar's political trajectory, as he aligns himself with the very government he has frequently challenged.

By expanding the government in this manner, Netanyahu aims to reduce his dependency on other coalition partners, which could enhance his ability to navigate ongoing challenges and stabilize his administration.

The inclusion of Sa'ar is seen as a strategic move that could solidify Netanyahu’s base of support and bolster his political standing at a critical juncture.

- Sa'ar's background - 

Sa'ar is an "Israeli" politician affiliated with the right-wing Likud party and a member of the Knesset. He has held various positions, including Minister of the Interior and Minister of Education in Netanyahu's governments.

He served as Minister of Justice from 2021 to 2022 and was previously a member of the Knesset for the Likud party from 2003 to 2014.

He briefly served as Deputy Prime Minister in 2021, in addition to holding the positions of Minister of Education (2009-2013) and Minister of the Interior (2013-2014).

In 2019, Sa'ar returned to the Knesset and unsuccessfully challenged former leader Benjamin Netanyahu for the leadership of the Likud party.

He left the Knesset the following year after founding a new party called New Hope.