Netanyahu's party signs coalition govt deal
2009-03-16 05:29:57 GMT2009-03-16 13:29:57 (Beijing Time)
China Daily
Israel's Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu attends a party meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem March 2, 2009. Israeli media are reporting that Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party has signed a coalition agreement with the right-wing Yisrael Beitenu party. [Agencies]
Avigdor Lieberman (L), leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, is seen in this February 19, 2009 file photo. Israeli media are reporting that Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party has signed a coalition agreement with the right-wing Yisrael Beitenu party. [Agencies]
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni attends a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on February 22. Israeli media are reporting that Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party and the right-wing Yisrael Beitenu party have signed a coalition agreement, which Livni's centrist Kadima Party appeared unlikely to join. [Agencies]
JERUSALEM -- Israeli media are reporting that Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party has signed a coalition agreement with the right-wing Yisrael Beitenu party.
Sunday's agreement is the first signed by Netanyahu on his way toward setting up a ruling government coalition of hawkish and Orthodox Jewish parties.
Both Likud and Yisrael Beitenu left the door open for Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's centrist Kadima Party to join, but that appeared unlikely.
The deal with Yisrael Beitenu names that party's leader, Avigdor Lieberman, as the incoming foreign minister.
Lieberman has been accused of being a racist demagogue because of his plans to require loyalty oaths from Israel's Arab citizens. An appointment as foreign minister raises concerns that Israel's international ties will be harmed.
