July 4, 2022
2 mins read

Lapid holds first cabinet meeting

Israel’s interim Prime Minister Yair Lapid has pledged to run a functional government despite another round of political instability that triggered new elections…reports Asian Lite News

In the first cabinet meeting since Lapid took office as interim Prime Minister on Friday, he sat next to his predecessor Naftali Bennett. The two rotated on Friday under a power-sharing deal they agreed upon in June 2021, after their ideologically diverse eight-party coalition government collapsed only a year after it took office.

“Our goal in the coming months will be to manage the government as if there were no elections … This is what I expect from my fellow Ministers,” he told the Ministers at the beginning of the meeting.

“This government will continue to act for the good of the citizens,” he said, adding “we will make decisions, we will take actions, and we will continue to increase the economic, diplomatic and security strength of Israel.”

Lapid encountered his first security challenge as Prime Minister on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Three drones, identified by the Israeli military as belonging to the Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah, approached the airspace over Israel’s territorial waters, near the recently built Karish natural gas platform. An Israeli fighter jet and a Navy missile cruiser intercepted the drones, the Israeli military said in a statement.

The interim Prime Minister said Israel would take the necessary measures to thwart threats and defend itself, its people and its assets.

Lapid also noted that Hezbollah is still pursuing terrorism, which makes it more difficult for Lebanon to settle an agreement on a maritime border (with Israel).

He will serve as the country’s interim Prime Minister until a new government is formed after the elections scheduled on November 1.

The parliament, or Knesset, voted to dissolve itself last week after the coalition lost its majority in the parliament, sending Israelis to the ballots for the fifth time in less than four years.

ALSO READ:Israel parliament dissolves

Lapid is expected to embark on his first diplomatic journey as Prime Minister on Tuesday, travelling to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

In mid-July, he will host the US President Joe Biden, whose Middle East trip includes stops in Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Previous Story

Expert alarms presence of new Omicron sub-variant in India

Next Story

Google India took down 4L bad content pieces in May

Latest from Arab News

Israel, US recall teams from Gaza truce talks

Steve Witkoff said mediators had made a great effort but “Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith”…reports Asian Lite News Israel and the United States recalled their

Riyadh welcomes Paris pivot to Palestine

Move stirs global response as Macron breaks G7 ranks; Israel and US condemn recognition bid amid Gaza war…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Arabia has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to officially

‘UN-OIC unity key to peace push’

Khaled Khiari, particularly highlighted the convergence of UN and OIC efforts in the Middle East, especially in seeking a just, comprehensive resolution to the Palestine question…reports Asian Lite News The United Nations

UAE talks big at global SDG meet

The forum provided a platform for the UAE to highlight its pioneering role in accelerating progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals..reports Asian Lite News The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its global

Saudi, Syria seal $6.4b investment deal

Saudi Arabia’s $6.4 billion investment blitz in Syria signals a bold regional shift, backing reconstruction, trade, and diplomacy in a country long isolated by conflict….reports Asian Lite News Saudi Arabia has signed
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Abu Dhabi launches ‘Virtual Licence’ for non-resident foreign investors

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has launched

New clashes erupt in Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque compound

Israeli police on Thursday entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in