Vital backing for Netanyahu in Israeli leadership race

Far-right Israeli politician Avigdor Lieberman has endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister.

Mr Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party made the announcement at a meeting today with Israeli president Shimon Peres.

The move all but guarantees Mr Netanyahu a majority in the new parliament, essentially paving his path to the premiership.

Mr Peres began meeting the parties of the new parliament last night to decide whether to appoint Mr Netanyahu of the hawkish Likud Party or Tzipi Livni of the centrist Kadima Party.

Ms Livni edged Netanyahu on the February 10 vote but Netanyahu has garnered the endorsement of more politicians. It now appears Mr Peres will pick him to be the prime minister-designate.

Mr Netanyahu would then have six weeks to build a coalition government.