Labour rejects Israeli coalition

Israel’s Labour party leader Ehud Barak today rejected Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu’s invitation to join his government.

After meeting Mr Netanyahu Mr Barak said his party will serve as a “responsible, serious and constructive opposition.”

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

Ms Livni said she and Mr Netanyahu made no progress in their late-night meeting yesterday.