Arutz-7's Haggai Huberman reports, in the name of a "close confidante to Arik Sharon," that the Prime Minister will not prefer Shinui over the religious parties. In contrast, Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, #32 on the Likud list and the Likud's campaign chief, said that he does not view a right-wing government as a realistic option at this point.
Huberman's source said that though Sharon expects to have to form a right-wing government, he will still attempt to entice Labor into a unity government by offering many ministerial portfolios and far-reaching diplomatic concessions. A right-wing government of 67 seats has the advantage, from Sharon's vantage point, of not allowing any one party to topple the government - although the National Union's departure, which can be expected in the event of diplomatic concessions by Sharon, would leave the government with only 60 seats.
Huberman's source said that though Sharon expects to have to form a right-wing government, he will still attempt to entice Labor into a unity government by offering many ministerial portfolios and far-reaching diplomatic concessions. A right-wing government of 67 seats has the advantage, from Sharon's vantage point, of not allowing any one party to topple the government - although the National Union's departure, which can be expected in the event of diplomatic concessions by Sharon, would leave the government with only 60 seats.