Afternoon:
10°c
Hard-line Netanyahu will form Israeli government
Ed Harris20 Feb 2009
Israeli president Shimon Peres chose hard-line Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government today, ending days of speculation.
Mr Netanyahu has the option of forming a narrow coalition with his Right- wing allies or a broad one with his centrist rival, Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni.
Mr Peres made his announcement early this afternoon after meeting Mr Netanyahu and Mrs Livni to decide which should lead a coalition government after Israel's election last week.
His choice of Mr Netanyahu was cemented when Avigdor Lieberman, who heads the hawkish Yisrael Beiteinu party, endorsed the Likud leader.
Bringing his rival into a broad coalition could help Mr Netanyahu avoid a clash with the US, but Mrs Livni said she would not join a hard-line government.
"I will not be able to serve as a cover for a lack of direction. I want to lead Israel in a way I believe in," she said.
Reader views (4)
Sometimes a hard-line no compromise Govt. can achieve more than a softer one. In the world of Mid-East politics and the Islamic fundamentalist mind set, compromise is a sign of weakness. If Bibi makes it very plain that only extreme pain will come from Islamic terror, those who are more pragmatic may settle for whatever is available and leave the Iranian backed Hezbollah and HAMAS terrorists out in the cold.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 22/02/2009 11:08
Report abuse
Maybe now thay will get on with the destruction of the biggest threat to the world and peace in the middle east the state of Iran.
- Kev, London-UK, 21/02/2009 14:33
Report abuse
He has also claimed the Golan Heights as inalienable Israeli territory that can never be returned to Syria. Thus guaranteeing Syrian hostility and their continued support of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- Kenneth Widmerpool, Bath UK, 21/02/2009 03:04
Report abuse
Netanyahu may be opposed to fruitless peace-talks, but this does not mean he is "pro-war". His policy favours the promotion of Palestinian institutions and a viable Palestininan economy. Surely that must be the pre-condition for peaceful co-existence, stability and prosperity.
- Bloke, London, 20/02/2009 14:45
Report abuse
