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Netanyahu to Form New Israeli Government


Israeli President Shimon Peres Friday asked right-wing leader Benjamin Netanyahu to form Israel's next government.

Mr. Netanyahu -- who has served as prime minister in the past -- immediately called on Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak to join him in what he called "a broad national unity government."

Livni, who had hoped to become prime minister herself, has shown little interest in joining Mr. Netanyahu's government.

Officials say the two rivals may meet on Sunday to discuss the situation.Mr. Netanyahu will have six weeks to put together a government.

If Livni refuses to join him, he will most likely form a coalition of nationalist and religious parties that take a much more hardline approach to possible peace talks with the Palestinians.

A spokesman for the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip said Mr. Netanyahu's nomination does not point to security and stability in the region in the days ahead.

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