### Sa'ar Secures a Role in Netanyahu's Administration

In a significant political development, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gideon Sa'ar announced on Sunday that Sa'ar's United Right party will join the government. This decision was made just days after an initial attempt to include Sa'ar as defense minister fell through. Sa'ar has now been brought into the coalition as a minister-without-portfolio, as confirmed by Netanyahu's office.

Additionally, Sa'ar will join the security cabinet and participate in smaller security consultations. It is also speculated that MK Ze'ev Elkin, Sa'ar's deputy, might assume a similar ministerial role, although this has not been finalized, according to an Elkin spokesperson.

The entry of Sa'ar’s four MKs brings the coalition's strength from 64 to 68 members. This shift decreases the leverage previously held by the far-right Religious Zionist Party and Otzma Yehudit, potentially stabilizing the coalition's majority in critical votes.

The inclusion of Sa'ar also poses a new challenge to current Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with Sa'ar now positioned as a possible replacement. This development could provide Netanyahu with greater political stability and ensure the government’s longevity.

Historically, Sa'ar separated from then-party leader MK Benny Gantz's party in March and left the government over disagreements on Gaza policies. Gantz himself exited the government in June.

During a joint press conference, Netanyahu lauded Sa'ar's comprehensive perspective and problem-solving capabilities, noting that Sa'ar ignored personal and political differences for the greater good. Sa'ar mentioned that while he and Netanyahu had past cooperation, the current political landscape and recent events necessitated his return to the government. He also expressed discontent with the opposition's stance on the war.

Several ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and others, have supported this move. However, opposition leader MK Yair Lapid contended on social media that this addition would not politically benefit Netanyahu in the long run. Lapid argued that Ben-Gvir would still attempt to disrupt the coalition, and that the government's fundamental problems lie in its handling of reality, not parliamentary votes.