Jerusalem
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon salvaged his government this week by inviting the opposition Labor Party into his governing coalition. Sharon lost his majority in the Knesset last month, when two small right-wing parties pulled out of the coalition with the ruling Likud Party. Labor, led by former foreign minister and veteran peacemaker Shimon Peres, agreed to the alliance to help ensure that the planned Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza goes forward. The left-wing Labor Party has been part of ruling coalitions with right-wing Likud before, most recently in 2001, when it joined Sharon’s government. That alliance only lasted a year.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Could medics' misgivings spell the end of the assisted dying bill?Today's Big Question The Royal College of Psychiatrists has identified 'serious concerns' with the landmark bill – and MPs are taking notice
-
The Chelsea Townhouse: London luxury feels right at homeThe Week Recommends This boutique hotel strikes the right note between sophisticated and cosy
-
What are the different types of nuclear weapons?The Explainer Speculation mounts that post-war taboo on nuclear weapons could soon be shattered by use of 'battlefield' missiles
