Israeli party leaders begin coalition talks
The leaders of Israel’s two largest parties, Kadima and Labour, were to meet in Jerusalem later today to start coalition talks, signalling the end of a rift that began after last week’s national election.
Kadima, headed by acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, emerged as the largest party in parliament with 29 out of 120 seats, followed by Labour with 19 seats.
Under Israel’s electoral system, the leader of the largest party is traditionally asked by Israel’s president to try to form a coalition government.
However, Labour recommended to the president that its leader, Amir Peretz, should be asked to form the government. It was not clear whether it was a serious recommendation, or an attempt by Labour to pressure Olmert in coalition talks.
Peretz, an ex-union boss, wants to become finance minister, a demand Olmert is loathe to meet.
Despite the disagreement between Kadima and Labour, Olmert and Peretz were to meet today, signalling an end to their rift.
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