Israeli Knesset approves new government

Jerusalem, April 1 (DPA) Israel's Knesset Tuesday night approved the government presented by incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by a vote of 69 in favour to 45 against.

There were no abstentions, but five legislators from the Labour Party, a coalition ally of Netanyahu's, refused to participate in the vote, although they were present in the plenum.

Another lawmaker, Arab-Israeli legislator Ahmed Tibi, was absent from the Knesset during the voting.

Following the vote Netanyahu took his oath of office, followed by his ministers.