Prime Minister Ariel Sharon basically has two choices in forming the new government: A secular unity government with Shinui and Labor, or a right-wing coalition with the National Union and the religious parties. The Prime Minister is said to prefer the former option, in order that he not be constrained diplomatically by the right-wing parties. He faces two major hurdles along this path, however. One is that Labor is steadfast in its opposition to joining a unity government with the Likud. "We will remind the public over and over again during this Knesset that there is an alternative!" said Labor's Amram Mitzna at party headquarters tonight.
In addition, the right-wing is the Likud's traditional allies, and many in the Likud will object forcefully to a government that leans so far to the left.
"The public has spoken," said tonight Avigdor Lieberman, #1 on the National Union list, "and it said 'No!' to the left. He called upon Sharon, in forming the new government, "not to go against the public's will." Lieberman said he would be happy to join a "stable, nationalist, homogeneous coalition."
MK Zevulun Orlev of the National Religious Party is not satisfied with his party's 4-5 seats, which is the same or one less than its current standing. "We must make a careful reckoning and ask how it is possible that our potential of 15 Knesset seats is not actualized. We must check the emphases the party makes, and give more emphasis to education, values, and Judaism."
Arutz Sheva Israel National Radio is broadcasting live election results and commentary all night in English until 6 AM (11 PM EST). Click here for the Live Radio Broadcast.
In addition, the right-wing is the Likud's traditional allies, and many in the Likud will object forcefully to a government that leans so far to the left.
"The public has spoken," said tonight Avigdor Lieberman, #1 on the National Union list, "and it said 'No!' to the left. He called upon Sharon, in forming the new government, "not to go against the public's will." Lieberman said he would be happy to join a "stable, nationalist, homogeneous coalition."
MK Zevulun Orlev of the National Religious Party is not satisfied with his party's 4-5 seats, which is the same or one less than its current standing. "We must make a careful reckoning and ask how it is possible that our potential of 15 Knesset seats is not actualized. We must check the emphases the party makes, and give more emphasis to education, values, and Judaism."
Arutz Sheva Israel National Radio is broadcasting live election results and commentary all night in English until 6 AM (11 PM EST). Click here for the Live Radio Broadcast.