Israel must immediately begin withdrawing its settlers from the Palestinian territories, UN experts told diplomats Monday, even as the new Israeli government appeared set to strengthen the hand of the Jewish settler lobby.

Israel must immediately begin withdrawing its settlers from the Palestinian territories, a UN expert told diplomats Monday, even as the new Israeli government appeared set to strengthen the hand of the Jewish settler lobby.

Israel's new coalition government, which includes a strong showing of pro-settlement hardliners, was to be sworn in on Monday, just two days before a visit by US President Barack Obama.

While US President Barack Obama's visit may not ease his frosty relationship with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, the fear of a nuclear Iran will compel the two to transcend their differences, officials say.

Israel's new coalition government, which includes a strong showing of pro-settlement hardliners, was to be sworn in on Monday just two days before a visit by US President Barack Obama.

US President Barack Obama will effectively begin to build the global legacy he will leave behind on the first foreign trip of his second term next week to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan.

The Palestinians are hoping to see concrete gains from US President Barack Obama's upcoming visit, while acknowledging it unlikely the trip will bring about a peace breakthrough.

A Palestinian prisoner who was on long-term hunger strike arrived in Gaza on Sunday evening after inking a deal with Israeli officials, Palestinian officials told AFP.

The Russell Tribunal on Palestine (RToP) called Sunday for the International Criminal Court to investigate "crimes" committed by Israel in the territories as it wrapped up four years of investigation.

Israel's new ruling coalition, which is to be sworn in on Monday, is likely to strengthen the hand of the Jewish settler lobby, with key ministerial portfolios handed to its supporters.

Israel's new Defence Minister Moshe "Boogie" Yaalon is a military veteran and staunch rightwinger known for his support of the Jewish settler movement, but who has taken a more moderate stance on Iran.

Former chief of staff Moshe Yaalon was named Israel's new defence minister on Sunday to succeed Ehud Barak, a statement from the ruling rightwing Likud party said.

The surprise kingmaker in Israel's new governing coalition Yair Lapid is a former television star and political novice who will need all of his charisma as he takes the helm at the finance ministry.

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu formally notified President Shimon Peres on Saturday that after 40 days of tortuous negotiations with potential coalition partners he had formed a new government and ensured himself a third term as prime minister.

President Barack Obama looks forward to "working closely" with the new Israeli government formed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the US leader's visit, officials said Saturday.

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu formally notified President Shimon Peres on Saturday that after 40 days of tortuous negotiations with potential coalition partners he had formed a new government.

A top Iranian military commander on Saturday told US President Barack Obama that Tehran also had all of its "options on the table," echoing a warning to the Islamic republic by the American leader.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to inform President Shimon Peres later on Saturday that after 40 days of negotiations with coalition partners he has finally formed a new government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed deals with key coalition partners on Friday, forming a new government just before a deadline and a milestone visit by US President Barack Obama.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday he had signed agreements with key coalition partners, forming a new government just over 24 hours ahead of a deadline and days before a milestone visit from US President Barack Obama.