Military

DATE=10/30/2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-268607

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has so far failed in his efforts to form a national emergency government. As VOA Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Jerusalem, the Israeli parliament is reconvening and Mr. Barak is facing legislation calling for new elections.

TEXT: Against a backdrop of violence between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protestors, Prime Minister Barak is trying to form a unity government with opposition leader Ariel Sharon.

So far intense negotiations have been unsuccessful because of a dispute over details of Mr. Sharon's role in a new government.

Mr. Barak currently has the backing of a small minority in parliament, which is reconvening for the first time since the Palestinian uprising began more than a month ago.

The prime minister faces no-confidence motions in parliament that could lead to early elections.

However, Mr. Barak's coalition could survive for the moment with the ultra-Orthodox Shas party saying it may not vote against the government for the time being.

Shas and other parties pulled out of the coalition last July because of concern Mr. Barak was offering too many concessions during peace talks with the Palestinians. (SIGNED)

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