Gideon Sa'ar

Gideon Sa'ar is an Israeli politician and is currently a minister-without-portfolio as part of the National Unity Party. 


He was born in Tel Aviv, where he also primarily grew up. He holds degrees in law and political science from Tel Aviv University.


He is married to Israeli news anchor Geual Even with whom he has two children. He has two other children from his first wife, Shelly. 


Sa'ar clerked as an aide to the attorney-general and then for the state attorney before swerving into politics in 1999, eventually winning a seat in the Knesset on the Likud's list. 


After taking a hiatus from politics, Sa'ar returned in 2017 and in December 2020 announced the formation of his own political party, New Hope. 


In Israel's 36th government headed by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid Sa'ar took the position of justice minister.

In the current government, Sa'ar sits in the National Unity Party, a merger between his own party and the party of Benny Gantz. Though having been a member of the opposition for most of the current Knesset's tenure, he and his party joined as part of an emergency government due to the war with Hamas.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a memorial ceremony for people who were murdered on October 7

A prime minister’s toxic agenda: How Netanyahu weakens Israel from within

Gideon Sa’ar may not become Prime Minister after the shady affair of Gallant’s dismissal, but he’ll be remembered as the one who sold his soul for draft dodgers.

05/11/2024

Netanyahu tells haredi MKs Gallant's dismissal possible after Iran strikes

Netanyahu may replace Gallant with someone else following operations against Iran, urging coalition unity as ultra-Orthodox parties threaten disruption.

Sa'ar calls on Interior Ministry to grant fallen Hebrew Israelite soldier's family citizenship

Sa'ar, who previously served as Interior Minister from 2013-2014, asked the current Minister to consider granting citizenship to Elishai Young's family members.

MK Gideon Sa'ar attends a civil investigative committee hearing on the October 7 massacre

The politics and policy behind Gideon Sa'ar's public pivot

How will Sa'ar's entry into the government affect Israel's war policy and other central policy issues?

 (L-R): Reported incoming defense minister Gideon Sa'ar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Beyond the cynicism: How Sa’ar’s move may break Israel’s political gridlock

Sa’ar is trying to salvage his political career, and Netanyahu is trying to strengthen his government and ensure that he serves until the end of his term.

30/09/2024
MK Gideon Sa'ar attends a civil investigative committee hearing on the October 7 massacre

Knesset approves Gideon Sa'ar's entry into government

Sa'ar will serve as a minister-without-portfolio and a member of the National Security Cabinet.

 (L-R): Reported incoming defense minister Gideon Sa'ar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Gideon Sa'ar to join Netanyahu's government, breaking far-right's veto

United Right leader Gideon Sa'ar to serve in cabinet, raising coalition to 68 seats • Netanyahu gets breathing room for government's survival

Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Gideon Sa'ar (R)

Just like Bennett, Sa’ar is allowed to change his mind

Negotiations for Gideon Sa'ar to replace Yoav Gallant as defense minister stalled due to conflict with Hezbollah, sparking debate over the political and security implications.

24/09/2024
MK Gideon Sa'ar attends a civil investigative committee hearing on the October 7 massacre

Gideon Sa'ar announces he will not become defense minister

It was reported this week that the prime minister had been in advanced talks with Sa'ar to replace Gallant in the near future.

Gideon Sa’ar marks the collapse of his career after being used by Netanyahu

Middle Israel: Gideon Sa’ar's career will be recalled as a tale of political zenith, public courage, and national hope that ended in moral collapse.

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