Sharon bids for coalition

ISRAELI Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, riding high on a sweeping victory by his right-wing Likud party, yesterday grappled with how to forge a lasting coalition after an election that redrew Israel’s political map.

Sharon quickly appealed to other factions to join a broad “unity” government to confront the twin crises of a Palestinian uprising and possible war in the Gulf, but the centre-left Labour Party resisted despite its worst election defeat.

Sharon could be forced into an alliance with far-right and ultra-nationalist parties that demand an even harder line against the Palestinians, a move that could put the re-elected prime minister at odds with Israel’s chief ally, the United States.

Voters gave Sharon, 74, a resounding endorsement for his tough approach to the Palestinian revolt. His Likud party rolled to victory in Tuesday’s general election, humiliating leftist parties that had pursued Middle East peace deals.

Greeted by singing, flag-waving supporters, Sharon yesterday declared: “This is not a time for celebration ... but for soul-searching and a joining of all forces to bring about a real victory, a victory against terrorism.”

Results showed Likud’s parliamentary strength soaring to 37 seats, up from 19 in the outgoing 120-seat Knesset, as Israel’s political pendulum swung dramatically right.

Labour, led by dovish Haifa mayor Amram Mitzna, fell to 19 seats from 25, reflecting Israelis’ fury at the party having put its faith in Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to make peace.

Hundreds of Israelis have been killed in scores of suicide bombings carried out by militants at the forefront of a 28-month-old Palestinian uprising for independence.

Labour’s former partner in peace moves, the leftist Meretz party, was shown winning six seats, down from 10. Yossi Sarid, a leading Israeli dove, resigned as Meretz chief yesterday.

Sharon’s campaign aide, Lior Horev, said the prime minister would within three weeks forge a government of right-wing, religious and centrist parties that could give him up to 68 seats, a narrow majority, in parliament.

Then, perhaps after a war in Iraq and with peace moves on the horizon, Sharon could firm up his government by persuading Labour to join, Horev said.

Meanwhile, Palestinians voiced fears yesterday that a right-wing surge behind Sharon’s emphatic re-election would lead to an Israeli reoccupation of the Gaza Strip.