Jerusalem, Nov 18 (AFP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday calling snap elections now would be "irresponsible" as he vowed to push on despite a coalition crisis.

Speaking in a televised address to the nation, Netanyahu also said he would retain the defence ministry portfolio and work to convince his coalition partners to remain in the government.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett's far-right Jewish Home party has threatened to withdraw from the coalition if he is not named defence minister. (AFP) SMJ

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