Government ministers warmly welcomed the surprise Sunday announcement that New Hope chair Gideon Sa'ar's party would be joining their coalition, hailing the move as a boost to national unity that will help Israel to win its ongoing war against Iranian proxies in Gaza and Lebanon. Sa'ar's addition to the government was seen as imminent earlier this month when reports swirled about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aiming to have him replace Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. But on Sunday night Sa'ar and Netanyahu held a press conference -- publicized only minutes in advance -- during which they announced New Hope's entry into the government and Sa'ar's appointment as a minister in the security cabinet without a specific ministerial portfolio.