Barak inching closer to joining government
Sources estimate Livni will be able to form government soon; earlier, Barak called the newly-elected Kadima chairwoman to congratulate her, touted her decision to call for national unity government
After initially flexing his muscles, Labor Party Chairman Ehud Barak is showing greater willingness to consider the formation of a new government, to be headed by Kadima's Tzipi Livni.
Earlier Monday, Barak called to congratulate the foreign minister, after President Shimon Peres tasked her with forming a government.
Sources close to Barak estimated that the chances of a new government being formed have grown in the wake of Livni's call. According to the sources, the process is expected to take about two more weeks. During this period, Barak is expected to make an effort to secure as many achievements as possible, particularly on socioeconomic issues, among other things.
The defense minister's close associates noted that Barak realizes that Likud will not be joining the coalition, yet at this time the important thing is to ensure that the government survives in the long term.
"We will introduce changes to the budget, and then we would be able to continue," one associate said.
Earlier in the evening, Livni addressed her intention to form a new government, declaring that "I believe that Israel needs stability, and a guiding hand."
"The first and right choice for Israel is a stable government that will serve until the end of the current Knesset's term," said the foreign minister, while calling on Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu to joint a unity government under her.
