Netanyahu Cabinet sworn-in despite protests, controversy
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Kicking off his sixth premiership, Benjamin Netanyahu is sworn in as Prime Minister in light of protests and criticism.
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Members of the new Israeli occupation cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pose for a group photo at the president's residence in occupied Al-Quds, on December 29, 2022 (Flash90)
Former Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in today by the Israeli parliament as prime minister one more time, the third time in his political career after he formed a new government.
Netanyahu was sworn in as the Israeli opposition was criticizing his government due to the alliances forged to get him into the premiership.
Netanyahu's Likud party, in addition to the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, with which the Prime Minister had signed a coalition agreement a day earlier, will be receiving several seats in the newly-formed cabinet.
The Likud leader's efforts to import ultra-nationalists and far-right-wingers into Knesset have been met with criticism, even from Netanyahu's closest allies. Even the pro-Israeli occupation lobby in the US, AIPAC, which practically never criticizes Israeli politicians, has criticized Netanyahu over his actions.
Ben-Gvir is infamous for his brutality and criminal and racist plans. He is one of the most prominent advocates of Zionist extremism and systematically practices terrorism against the holy sites and the Palestinian people, in addition to being one of the most prominent advocates of extremism and terrorism practiced against Palestinians.
The Zionist extremist often provoked the Palestinians by storming Al-Aqsa Mosque heavily guarded by the Israeli occupation forces.
The Knesset met at 09:00 GMT for a festive sitting, attended by occupation President Isaac Herzog and Supreme Court Justice Esther Hayut. It voted to elect Amir Ohana of Netanyahu's Likud party as Speaker before holding a vote of confidence in the new government.
With a slim majority of 63 out of 120 MKs, Netanyahu and his ministers were sworn in and signed the pledge of allegiance despite the opposition of 54 MKs.
"I… undertake as prime minister to maintain loyalty to the State of Israel and its laws, to faithfully fulfill my role as prime minister, and to abide by the decisions of the Knesset," Netanyahu said as he took the oath of office.
Outgoing PM Yair Lapid, who is now heading the largest parliamentary group that is not part of the new government, accused Netanyahu during the debate of "undermining democracy" by leading the occupation despite a trial on corruption charges against him.
This is Netanyahu's sixth term after he was ousted from power in June last year, ending his 12-year run as prime minister.
With Netanyahu coming back in, his third reign of terror will begin after having served as PM from 1996 to 1999 and from 2009 to 2021. This is his most controversial government to date, expected to lead to a Third Palestinian Intifada.
Netanyahu's government was met with protest, however. Hundreds have taken to the streets in occupied Palestine, namely outside the Israeli occupation's Knesset, to protest the swearing-in of the new Israeli cabinet, spearheaded by Netanyahu.
Some 300 people are protesting in front of the Knesset as the most radical-right Israeli government prepares to be sworn in before Parliament today, The Times of Israel newspaper said.
