New Israeli government off to rocky start as swearing-in ceremony delayed

JERUSALEM – The new Israeli government is off to a rocky start, with its swearing-in ceremony delayed until late in the night or possibly next week.

Parliament spokesman Yotam Yakir says the swearing-in proceedings were set to begin at 7 p.m. (1600 GMT) Thursday, but were delayed due to a request by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli media said the delay was connected to last-minute disputes over ministerial appointments.

Officials say the process could run late into the night or even be delayed to Monday.

Netanyahu struggled to form a coalition after his Likud won March elections. He cobbled together a narrow, hawkish and religious coalition last week.