Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, January 1, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Gallant vows to fight terror as defense minister, prevent a nuclear-armed Iran
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
“I take upon myself the role of defense minister out of a longstanding commitment to Israel’s security and out of a deep recognition of the importance of the mission,” Gallant says during the ceremony.
Gallant in his remarks vows to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and to take harsh actions against rocket fire on Israel from the Gaza Strip.
“We will fight terror with no compromises,” he says.
Gallant adds that he will work to “strengthen” the military, amid recent worries by IDF chief Aviv Kohavi over increasing political control over the army.
“The IDF is above all controversy,” he says.
