Israel’s Netanyahu puts hardliner in charge of settlements

By ELEANOR H. REICH
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s designated prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a coalition deal with a hardline pro-settler party. Thursday’s agreement will give Religious Zionism control over a number of key government ministries and a senior post over West Bank settlement construction. The agreement marks an important breakthrough for Netanyahu as he tries to cobble together a government following Nov. 1 elections. But it also could set the stage for conflict with key allies, first and foremost the United States.