Israel Ex-Army chief Ashkenazi to Serve as FM

In this file photo taken on February 21, 2019, former Israeli military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi delivers a statement in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, ahead of the April 9 general election. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
In this file photo taken on February 21, 2019, former Israeli military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi delivers a statement in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, ahead of the April 9 general election. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
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Israel Ex-Army chief Ashkenazi to Serve as FM

In this file photo taken on February 21, 2019, former Israeli military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi delivers a statement in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, ahead of the April 9 general election. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
In this file photo taken on February 21, 2019, former Israeli military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi delivers a statement in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, ahead of the April 9 general election. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)

Former Israeli army chief Gabi Ashkenazi will be nominated as Israel's next foreign minister, his Blue and White alliance has said.

Ashkenazi held talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Jerusalem ahead of his "appointment as minister of foreign affairs this coming Thursday," said Blue and White, which is led by the incoming alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz.

A unity government agreed between Gantz and veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to be sworn in on Thursday evening, ending more than a year of political deadlock.

Foreign affairs was a key profile secured by Blue and White in coalition talks with Netanyahu's Likud party, along with the defense ministry which will be led by Gantz.

Ashkenazi joined Israel's army in 1972 and fought in the Yom Kippur war a year later.



International Reaction to Trump’s Inauguration

 US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 47th President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)
US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 47th President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)
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International Reaction to Trump’s Inauguration

 US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 47th President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)
US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 47th President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)

The following is reaction from global leaders to Donald Trump being sworn in as US president on Monday.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT
"President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority."

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, PRESIDENT OF TÜRKIYE

"Since Mr. Trump repeatedly said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, we as Türkiye will do whatever necessary in this regard. We need to resolve this issue as soon as possible. This issue will be on our agenda with our talks with Mr. Trump, and we would take our steps accordingly. I wish Mr. Trump's second term would bring good for all humanity."

JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER

"Congratulations, President Trump. Canada and the US have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again — to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations."

KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER

"For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership ... Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity."

"With President Trump's longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue."

URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT

"Best wishes President @realDonaldTrump, for your tenure as 47th President of the United States. The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges. Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security. This is the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership."

MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY GENERAL

"With President Trump back in office we will turbo-charge defense spending & production. My warm congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his inauguration as 47th President of the USA, and to @JDVance as Vice President. Together we can achieve peace through strength - through @NATO."

CHARLES, BRITAIN’S KING:

The King has sent a personal message of congratulations to President Trump on his inauguration, reflecting on the enduring special relationship between the UK and US, according to Buckingham Palace.