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Barak Meets Parliament Party Leaders on Emergency Cabinet
Facing political and security crisis, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak began talks late Saturday night with leaders of parliament parties outside his minority coalition on forming a national "emergency government."
Barak first met with right-wing opposition Likud party leader Ariel Sharon in Tel Aviv, and then held consultations with leaders of ultra-orthodox Shas and National Religious Party. He also discussed the issue with Meretz party leader Yossi Sarid and Shinui head Yosef Lapid.
Barak's meetings with party leaders were scheduled to continue until Sunday morning. Even before they took place, many of the party leaders currently outside Barak's coalition expressed their support for a national unity government.
"The deterioration on the Lebanese border, the events in the territories, and the confrontation with Israeli Arabs necessitate the establishment of a national unity government, with the participation of all Zionist parties," Lapid said.
Likud said that during the meeting, Barak briefed Sharon on the current development in the territories, and the kidnap of three Israeli soldiers by Lebanon's Hezbollah group Saturday.
Though Sharon refrained from articulating his opinion on the formation of a national unity government prior to his discussion with Barak, he has in recent days eased his opposition to the idea of Likud joining a new coalition.
Public Security Minister and acting Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami said Saturday night that a decision about forming such a government would be made when it is determined that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is not a peace partner, if the 48-hour ultimatum imposed by Barak runs out.
Barak issued the ultimatum Saturday evening, urging Arafat to take measures to stop the clashes in the territories until Monday evening.
Political observers here said it will not be easy for Barak to form a national unity government with the right-wing opposition parties due to their differences over the peace process. They accused Barak of agreeing to make too many concessions in the talks.
But the possibility of forming such a government could be used to pressure Arafat into halting the violence, which entered its 11th day Sunday, they said.
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