(VOVworld) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new Cabinet was sworn in late Thursday with the Knesset’s approval by a vote of 61-39.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in the Knesset (Photo: Olivier Fitoussi)

The ceremony was postponed several hours by a debate over several key appointments of Likud Party members.

Likud strongman Gilad Erdan refused to join the new cabinet, rejecting Netanyahu’s nomination as Minister of Public Security. Earlier Erdan had suggested himself for Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was present for the vote to approve the new cabinet.