Barak Survives a Challenge, Faces Another

July 31 -- Israel’s beleaguered Prime Minister Ehud Barak overcame one challenge today when his government survived a no-confidence vote, but was faced with another when a little-known opposition lawmaker won an upset victory for the presidency.

The victory of Iranian-born Moshe Katsav of the opposition Likud Party spelled a humiliating end to ex-Prime Minister Shimon Peres’ half-century political career and dealt peace efforts another blow following the collapse of peace talks at the Camp Davidsummit last week.

As a member of the hawkish Likud party, Katsav opposes far-reaching concessions to the Palestinians, including the creation of a Palestinian state.

Hours later, Barak’s teetering minority government survived a motion of no-confidence over his willingness to make land concessions to the Palestinians.

Parliament voted 50-50 with eight abstentions, a result that fell short of the 61 votes needed in the 120-seat Knesset to topple the government. Some deputies did not attend the session.

It was the second time Barak had survived a no-confidence vote in less than a month. Both votes were called over his attempts to secure a peace deal with the Palestinians.

A Long Reprieve

Despite the new blows to his prestige, Barak is now free topursue his peace agenda unhampered by parliamentary maneuvers. TheKnesset does not meet again until October, giving Barak time tobuild support for the concessions to the Palestinians proposed attalks at Camp David, especially handing them some control over EastJerusalem.

The Israelis and Palestinians have set a deadline of Sept. 13for a final peace agreement resolving thorny issues includingcontrol of Jerusalem, the borders of a Palestinian state and thefate of Palestinian refugees who want to return to their formerhomes in what is now Israel.

Barak told the legislators that while he could not command amajority in parliament for a peace accord now, he was confident themood would shift once a deal is presented to the Israeli people. Hehas long maintained that he has popular support, despite hispolitical problems.