Israel's New Coalition Govt Sworn In -Monday March 18, 2013

Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday March 16,2013 announced he had put together a coalition with a majority of 68 within the 120-seat Knesset which include -
Yesh Atid (19 seats)
HaTnuah (6 seats)
Likud-Beitenu (31 seats)and
Jewish Home (12 seats),


Israel's new coalition government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has been sworn in after nearly two months of negotiations between political parties.

The coalition includes -

• Netanyahu's Likud-Beitnu bloc
• the centrist Yesh Atid party and
• the right-wing Jewish Home party

The swearing in began after Israel's parliament voted to approve the new government, after national elections in January gave no party a clear majority.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech before the swearing in of his new government on March 18, 2013 at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.

Addressing MPs, Netanyahu thanked the country for electing him as premier for a third term and pledged to represent all of Israel's citizens, as well as defend them from regional threats such as Iran's nuclear programme.

"With a Palestinian partner who is willing to conduct negotiations in good faith, Israel will be prepared for a historic compromise that will end the conflict with the Palestinians forever," he said.