Olmert shores up government with new minister for

October 25, 2006, 4:51 PM (GMT+02:00)

Monday, Oct. 23, prime minister Ehud Olmert added to his coalition Israel Beitenu’s Avigdor Lieberman as dep. prime minister and minister in charge of strategic threats.

On assuming the post, the new minister said Israel's No. 1 problem is the Iranian threat.

Friday, chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz warned “Israel must prepare for Iran to push the button and a possible war with Syria.” He spoke after Iranian president said earlier there is no reason for Israel to exist and it would soon disappear.

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