[PHOTOS AND VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The cabinet on Monday 22 Iyar approved the coalition deal signed with the Yisrael Beitenu party as well as the new appointments; Avigdor Lieberman as Defense Minister and Sofia Landver as Absorption Minister.

Later in the day the Knesset approved the deal and the appoints as well in a 55-44 vote. This was followed by Avigdor Lieberman and Sofia Landver taking their oaths as cabinet ministers. Following the Knesset event, Lieberman was seen at the Kosel being mispallel.

Following are the statements made by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

PM Netanyahu:

“I take this opportunity to make clear that I remain committed to making peace with the Palestinians and with all our neighbors. The Arab peace initiative includes positive elements that can help revive constructive negotiations with the Palestinians. We are willing to negotiate with the Arab states revisions to that initiative so that it reflects the dramatic changes in the region since 2002, but maintains the agreed goal of two states for two peoples. To this end, we welcome the recent speech by Egyptian President el-Sisi and his offer to help advance peace and security in the region.”

DM Lieberman:

“Mr. Prime Minister, again I thank you for the decision to appoint me defense minister and I thank the Government of the State of Israel and the Knesset for supporting that decision.

“I listened to everything you said and I absolutely agree with every word, including two states for two peoples. There was a lot of speculation about what the policy of the government would be. I want to remind people that for many years Yisrael Beitenu decided, and I spoke more than once about recognizing, that same solution of two states for two peoples. I also believe that I was very supportive of the Bar Ilan speech.

“I think that President al-Sisi’s speech was very important and has created a genuine opportunity. We must try to pick up the gauntlet. I absolutely agree that the Arab [Peace] Initiative also has some very, very positive elements that enable a serious dialogue with all our neighbors in the region.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group)