Bibi: Barak’s Split from Labor Strengthens Israel’s Government

By Haaretz Service January 17, 2011

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s split from the Labour Party has strengthened Israel’s governing coalition.

“The government has grown much stronger today, in its governance, in its stability – and this is important for Israel,” Netanyahu said after Barak and four Labor allies broke from the party.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya’alon in the Knesset.

Photo by: Tomer Appelbaum “The whole world knows, and the Palestinians know, that this government will be around for the next few years and that it is with this government that they should negotiate for peace,” Netanyahu told reporters.

A senior aide to Netanyahu indicated earlier in the day that Barak’s decision would allow the government to operate more smoothly. Netanyahu had been fully aware of Barak’s decision, the aide told Israel Radio.

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