[Al Arabiya Latest] Israel's hawkish Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu was set to become the country's new prime minister on Tuesday, heading a predominantly right-wing cabinet, which has sparked international concern over the future of troubled peace talks.Returning to power 10 years after his first stint as prime minister, the 59-year-old Netanyahu presents his government to parliament Tuesday.
The Knesset opened its session after midday to confirm the new cabinet with a vote on the government expected in the hours following.
Israel's 32nd government is set to be one of its largest ever, with a new table having been ordered to accommodate some 30 ministers and up to seven deputy ministers.
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu held last-minute talks in a bid to entice another ultra-religious party into the cabinet.
Israel's Peace Now anti-settlement watchdog has called the incoming cabinet "one of the most right-wing governments ever known in Israel."
Activists planned to demonstrate outside the Knesset during the swearing-in ceremony, with banners that read: "A government of settlers is under way."