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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Leftist Party Could Join Israel Government

Netanyahu gets more time as Labor debates joining coalition

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(Newser) – Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister-designate of Israel, has been given an extra two weeks to form a government after a breakthrough in talks with Ehud Barak, the leader of the Labor Party and the country's outgoing defense minister. While Netanyahu has been ready to complete his right-wing cabinet this week, Barak seems ready to join in, warning that letting the hard right govern Israel would be irresponsible.

The Labor Party went down to a fourth-place finish in February's election, behind the ultranationalist Yisrael Beiteinu Party, which has already joined Netanyahu's government. Several members of Labor say they won't support a government they consider too far right, but Barak insisted negotiations were appropriate: "What is wrong with talking to Netanyahu? I have spoken with senior PLO terrorists. Is Netanyahu the worst of our nation's enemies?"

Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak, left, and Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands, during a meeting, in Jerusalem, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009.
Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak, left, and Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands, during a meeting, in Jerusalem, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Israeli Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak is seen during a meeting with Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009.
Israeli Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak is seen during a meeting with Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference with Israel's President Shimon Peres, not pictured, at the President's residence in Jerusalem Friday, Feb.20, 2009.
Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference with Israel's President Shimon Peres, not pictured, at the President's residence in Jerusalem Friday, Feb.20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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