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Netanyahu Poised To Make Hard-Liner Foreign Minister

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Los Angeles Times

Published: March 17, 2009

JERUSALEM - Avigdor Lieberman, whose ultranationalist rhetoric has alarmed Arabs and raised international concern, took a major step Monday toward becoming foreign minister in Israel's next government.

His tentative appointment, part of a pact between his right-wing party and that of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, is not final. The deal leaves an opening for the current foreign minister, Tzipi Livni, to keep the job if her centrist Kadima Party agrees to join the coalition.

That possibility appeared remote.

The ascent of Lieberman to Israel's top diplomatic post could complicate its ties with other countries. He is viewed by many observers abroad as a xenophobe, having risen to prominence by advocating loyalty oaths for Israel's Arab citizens and a redrawing of borders to exclude some of their communities from the country.

Although neither proposal is likely to be implemented, his appointment would solidify Israel's shift to the right and away from a commitment to achieving a peace accord that would give the Palestinians an independent state.

Riad Malki, foreign minister of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, said the emerging Israeli government is anti-peace.

Ahmed Tibi, an Israeli Arab member of Parliament, called for an international boycott of Lieberman. "No minister should meet him," he said.

Netanyahu, leader of the conservative Likud party, has been trying for nearly a month to form a majority coalition from the Parliament elected Feb. 10. He is seeking a broad-based government that would include Livni's party.

Livni has rebuffed him several times, saying she would join only if Netanyahu agrees to continue pursuing the statehood agreement she tried to negotiate in 2008 in U.S.-brokered peace talks.

Divisions on that issue persist, Livni said Monday, despite a new effort to recruit her. Netanyahu has said he wants to refocus the talks on efforts to bolster the Palestinian economy, leaving the issues of borders, sovereignty, the status of refugees and control of Jerusalem to a later stage.

Netanyahu has until April 2 to form a government.

NO DEAL ON PRISONERS

Talks between Israel and Hamas over a crucial exchange of Palestinian prisoners for an Israeli soldier ended without agreement Monday after Hamas hardened its position and retracted earlier understandings, the Israeli government said.

The breakdown in the talks held in Cairo could have far-reaching consequences. Israel has said it will not ease its blockade of Gaza until the soldier, captured nearly three years ago by Gaza militants, is returned. The blockade has impeded reconstruction in Gaza after Israel's punishing offensive there in January.

Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had said this was the last chance for an agreement before he leaves office. He is set to be replaced by Benjamin Netanyahu, who is putting together a hard-line government that is likely to be less receptive to Hamas demands. Netanyahu hopes to take office within days.

The Associated Press

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