NETANYAHOU VEUT DIRIGER UN LARGE GOUVERNEMENT NATIONAL

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calling for the formation of a broad coalition government under his leadership, following the October 27 parliamentary elections that failed to produce a majority. The Likud leader says he is open to discussions with new political parties, but rules out any alliance dependent on Arab parties, which he accuses of supporting terrorism and challenging the existence of the Jewish state. His party holds 53 of the 120 seats, compared to 48 for the main opposition bloc. Negotiations are therefore expected to be crucial in forming the next government.