Israel cabinet okays far-right Lieberman as defence minister

The religious nationalist party Jewish Home had planned to block the addition of Lieberman’s Yisrael Beitenu party by voting against it in parliament, possibly sparking fresh elections, unless demands for procedural reform were met.

“The cabinet unanimously approved the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as minister of defence,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office said. It added that Yisrael Beitenu’s Sofa Landver was approved as minister of immigrant absorption.

The deal is expected to be approved by parliament later today, with the new ministers to take their oaths of office.