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Netanyahu's plea for Israeli unity gov't rejected

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-23 21:09

JERUSALEM -- Israel's Labor Party leader Ehud Barak has rejected Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu's invitation to join his government.

Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak, left, and Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands, during a meeting, in Jerusalem, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. [Agencies]

Related readings:  Netanyahu, Livni talk on coalition govt  Israel's Peres: Netanyahu will form new government  Livni says 'no' to joining Netanyahu-led coalition  Netanyahu to form new Israeli govt

After meeting Netanyahu on Monday, Barak says his dovish party will serve as a "responsible, serious and constructive opposition."

The hawkish Netanyahu has been appointed to form the next government. He hopes to bring moderates like Barak and centrist leader Tzipi Livni into his coalition to win international support and a stable parliamentary majority.

Livni says she and Netanyahu made no progress in their late-night meeting Sunday.

Netanyahu says he will meet both leaders again.