New Israeli government swearing-in postponed

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival-turnedpartner, Benny Gantz, on Thursday postponed the swearing-in of their controversial new government as the Israeli leader rushed to quell infighting within his Likud party.

In a joint announcement, the men said they would hold a swearing-in ceremony Sunday to allow Netanyahu time to give coveted Cabinet appointments to members of his party.

The delay came after three deadlocked and divisive elections and a year and a half of political paralysis.

Netanyahu and Gantz, a former military chief, announced last month they would join forces to steer the country through the coronavirus crisis and its severe economic fallout.

Netanhayu is scheduled to go on trial this month for corruption charges.