Sharon invites ultra-orthodox party to join Israeli government

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2004

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon invited the United Torah Judaism ultra-orthodox party to join a new coalition government which he is seeking to put together with the main opposition Labour party.

Sharon telephoned two of the leaders of the party which has five deputies in the 120-seat Israeli parliament, according to an official statement.

Labour leader Shimon Peres was given the green light by his party's political bureau on Tuesday to start negotiations with Sharon about the formation of a national unity government which is needed to push through parliament the premier's plan to pull troops and settlers out of the Gaza Strip.

Sharon has been keen to keep a religious element within his government after the departure of three...