Voice of Israel radio reports that, in their meeting this evening, Prime Minister elect Ariel Sharon offered outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Barak the post of Minister of Defense in his government, and Barak accepted. Earlier reports spoke of a special post of advisor on defense affairs being created for Barak.
In the negotiations over the formation of a government of national unity, the Likud has also offered Barak's Labor Party the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and equality in the number of cabinet posts each party will hold. Likud sources said the negotiations were practically concluded, but the Labor side said differences still remained to be ironed out.
Barak's acceptance of the defense portfolio aroused opposition tonight from both ends of the political spectrum in the Knesset, in the light of the fact that he had announced his resignation from politics in his concession speech on the night of the prime ministerial elections last week. Voices from the right wing said Barak had no right to be in the government after his crushing personal defeat, and that he was a leader without a party. On the left, Barak was accused of a sellout to Ariel Sharon. Meretz (Citizen’s Rights) party chairman Yossi Sarid attacked Barak’s decision, saying, “It is unfortunate and painful that Barak is ending his tenure with one zig-zag too many.”
If agreement is reached on a unity government, a team of Labor party staff will meet to consider nominations for ministerial portfolios.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on February 15, 2001.