February 2001 World Headlines

Thursday, February 22, 2001 - Web posted at 8:37:46 AM GMT

Barak won't serve in new Israel govt

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon's quest for a broad left-right coalition encountered new uncertainties yesterday after defeated predecessor Ehud Barak unexpectedly withdrew his agreement to serve as his defence minister and announced his retirement from politics.

Explaining his decision in a bitter letter to Sharon, Barak said the prime minister-elect had "seriously harmed the trust" between them with his recent actions, including suggestions that Barak would not be a partner in decision-making.

However, a growing rebellion in Barak's Labour Party may also have played a role.

Immediately after his crushing election defeat February 6, Barak had announced that he was resigning from politics, but reversed himself a few days later, accepting Sharon's offer to serve as defence minister in a broad coalition.

That reversal prompted an outrage in Labour and in the Israeli public."

"A little late, the curtain falls," commentator Hemi Shalev wrote in the Maariv daily Wednesday.

"By deciding to resign, Barak is saving a shred of his honour, which had been trampled on... ever since he announced his intention to serve as defence minister."

"Barak's resignation raised new uncertainties about Sharon's efforts to bring Labour into his government - his preferred option.

The Labour Party is embroiled in a heated leadership struggle, and it was not clear who would now lead coalition talks with Sharon, if it all.

There was also disagreement over whether the party's secretary-general, Raanan Cohen, should be named temporary leader, or whether elder statesman Shimon Peres should take over until primaries are held. - Nampa-Sapa-AP

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