Benjamin Netanyahu has put himself at the helm of a hardline Israeli government that appears to be on a collision course with the US and other key allies by forming a new coalition.

Israel’s prime minister has fired two senior cabinet ministers from his divided government, all but guaranteeing new elections more than two years ahead of schedule.

FAR-RIGHT politician Avigdor Lieberman endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for Israeli prime minister yesterday, all but guaranteeing that the US-educated hawk will be the country’s next leader.