JERUSALEM - The Israeli parliament on Monday approved ultra-nationalist Avigdor Lieberman as the country's new defence minister hours after the cabinet endorsed him.
Former Israeli foreign minister and ultra-nationalist MP Avigdor Lieberman is seen during a session of the Israeli parliament on May 30, 2016
Lieberman, who has pledged harsh measures against Palestinian "terrorists", was approved by 55 members of the 120-seat Knesset while 43 voted against, one abstained and the others were absent.