Labor votes to join Netanyahu government

Labor votes to join Netanyahu government

Israel's Labor Party voted Tuesday to join the incoming government of Benjamin Netanyahu, giving a centrist tone to the coalition that has looked hard-line up to now.

Party secretary Eitan Cabel announced the results of the voting after a heated debate _ 680 in favor and 507 against.

Ofer Eini, head of the Histadrut labor union and a senior Labor Party operative, told Israel's Army Radio, "I'm happy that party delegates have decided to enter the government." But others chanted slogans like "Disgrace" after the announcement.

Netanyahu has signed coalition agreements with Yisrael Beitenu and Shas, two parties known for their tough policy lines toward the Palestinians, as is Netanyahu's own Likud Party. Labor, in contrast, has been in the forefront of Mideast peace efforts.

Labor's 13 seats in the parliament would give Netanyahu a majority of 66 in the 120-seat house, but there is a possibility that the party could split as a result of the vote, and some members might choose to remain in the opposition.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

JERUSALEM (AP) _ A Labor Party official says his party has voted to join the incoming government of Benjamin Netanyahu, giving a centrist tone to the coalition that has looked hard-line up to now.

Ofer Eini, head of the Histadrut labor union and a senior Labor Party operative, told Israel's Army Radio that the party's central committee agreed to Netanyahu's partnership offer.

Eini said: "I'm happy that party delegates have decided to enter the government."

Army Radio said the vote was 680 in favor and 507 against.

Netanyahu has signed coalition agreements with Yisrael Beitenu and Shas, two parties known for their tough policy lines toward the Palestinians, as is Netanyahu's own Likud Party. Labor, in contrast, has been in the forefront of Mideast peace efforts.