Israel's newly named Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has pledged harsh actions against Palestinians, but there are doubts over whether the hard-liner will be able to translate his provocative political rhetoric into concrete action.

While Lieberman has issued numerous threats over the years, Israel's security establishment, which has served as a voice of moderation in recent months, may push back against actions it views as harmful to the country's interests.

Lieberman, who has not yet been sworn in, is seen as an outsider by some in the military.

Moshe Yaalon, his predecessor as defense minister who has also served as armed forces chief, resigned Friday, forced out by Netanyahu as he engaged in talks to bring Lieberman and his ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party into the fold.

Lieberman, who has also served as foreign minister, lives in a settlement in the West Bank, though he is secular and has opposed policies supported by Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jewish establishment.

Lieberman himself sought a more moderate tone even before closing the deal with Netanyahu.

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