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Israeli Cabinet OKs Hard-Liner Bennett As Defense Minister

Associated Press

   JERUSALEM - The Israeli Cabinet has approved hard-line politician
   Naftali Bennett as defense minister in the country's caretaker
   government.

   Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Bennet, with whom he has a
   rocky relationship, last week.

   Netanyahu appears to be trying to shore up support among his right-wing
   base. He's hoping to block attempts by his chief rival, Benny Gantz, to
   form Israel's next government.

   The Cabinet voted Sunday for Bennett to become defense minister until a
   permanent government takes hold.

   Gantz is in the process of trying to cobble together a majority
   coalition after inconclusive elections in September.

   Netanyahu had the first try at forming a government, but failed.

   Bennett, who leads the New Right party, has demanded tougher military
   action against militants in Gaza.

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