Israel's new defense minister, Ehud Barak, took up office Tuesday morning in a military ceremony at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv.
The handover ceremony, which began at 10 am, was brief and did not include speeches. Barak and outgoing minister Amir Peretz were both honored by a military parade.
Ceremony at Defense Ministry (Photo: Ofer Amram)
During the ceremony, Peretz bid farewell to the generals who attended the event, and then left the Kirya Base, where the Ministry is located.
The new minister, Barak, is scheduled to hold a series of meetings and discussions Tuesday, that are set to focus on the complicated situation in the Gaza Strip following Hamas' takeover.
The Knesset approved Barak's appointment as defense minister Monday evening by a 49-22 majority.
After the vote, Peretz said, "I know I am being made to pay the price for past failures, and I surrender to that. I ask just one thing: That you all keep your eyes open – Knesset members, ministers and you the people of Israel."
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