Breitbart (Link) (March 23, 2009)
Israeli prime minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu has concluded his second coalition deal with the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, officials said on Monday. As part of the deal, the religious party will receive four portfolios in the new cabinet, including interior, housing and religious affairs. The fourth minister from the party will be a minister without portfolio.
The move brings Netanyahu, the leader of the right-wing Likud party, one step closer to forming a government following last week's signing of a deal with the ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party led by firebrand Avigdor Lieberman.
The hawkish leader has until April 3 to form a government following the February 10 election. He was charged with forming a cabinet even though Likud received 27 seats in the poll -- one less than the centrist Kadima party -- because he is thought to have a better chance at cobbling together a majority in the 120-member parliament or Knesset.
Although right-wing parties won 65 seats in the February poll, Netanyahu wants to form a broad-based government and has been trying to convince the centrist Kadima party and centre-left Labour to join his cabinet.
Kadima leader and outgoing foreign minister Tzipi Livni has rejected the proposition, insisting among others that Netanyahu commit to the creation of a Palestinian state and demanding that he share with her the post of premier.
Labour leader Ehud Barak, the outgoing defence minister, has been trying to convince his party to join Netanyahu but faces vigorous objection from many in his party.
Barak on Sunday appointed a negotiating team that is due to draw up a coalition agreement with Netanyahu to be presented to an extraordinary Labour congress on Tuesday.
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