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Published 00:32 IST, May 18th 2020

Netanyahu and Gantz sworn in as Israeli Prime Ministers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally swore in his new government on Sunday. It comes after three deadlocked and divisive elections, a year and a half of political paralysis and another three-day delay because of political infighting in his Likud party.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally swore in his new government on Sunday. It comes after three deadlocked and divisive elections, a year and a half of political paralysis and another three-day delay because of political infighting in his Likud party.

Over the weekend, both Netanyahu and his rival-turned-partner Benny Gantz announced their appointments for the new government.

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With a record number of new ministries, it's the most bloated cabinet in Israeli history.

Netanyahu and Gantz put their differences aside last month to steer the country through the coronavirus crisis and its severe economic fallout.

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Their controversial power-sharing deal calls for Netanyahu to serve as prime minister for the government’s first 18 months before being replaced by Gantz for the next 18 months.

Their blocs will also have a similar number of ministers and mutual veto power over most major decisions. Critics say they are out of touch by creating such a huge government, as unemployment has soared to 25%.

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Updated 00:32 IST, May 18th 2020