The coalition pact the Labor party leader signed with the left-wing Meretz party and center-right Yeud faction gave Peres the same minority government which Rabin headed.
"We will fight, without compromise, the phenomena of violence and murder in the state of Israel. Together with this, we will do our utmost to heal the divisions in the country," Peres said.
The new coalition is comprised of 58 legislators -- an additional member of parliament from Yeud withdrew her support from the previous administration.
But Peres, like Rabin, can likely count on the traditional backing of largely Arab parties which have five members in parliament. On paper, he can command 63 votes in the 120-seat Knesset.
Israel Radio said Peres would also be defense minister, keeping the important portfolio for himself just as Rabin had.
All but four legislators, all ultranationalists, said they would vote for the government on the principle that general elections next year rather than an assassin's bullet should decide the country's future.
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