News analysis: Netanyahu´s government gains political stability after gets parliament approval

Netanyahu, a former Israeli premier, was tasked with forming the cabinet though his Likud party won only 27 seats in the February vote - one less than Kadima party, as he was thought to have a better chance at rallying support of at least 61 seats needed for a coalition in the parliament.

Netanyahu now secures 69 seats in the 120-member Knesset, 27 from his Likud, 15 from Yisrael Beiteinu, 11 from Shas, 13 from Labor, and 3 from Habayit Hayehudi.

LABOR BALANCE

Without Labor party, the Likud-led coalition could be seen as leaning too much towards the right.

Netanyahu provided Labor Chairman Barak with a bountiful offer in order to bring him in and keep the coalition balanced.

Labor, the once-dominant party that suffered its worst-ever showing in the Feb. 10 election, should get five ministries, according to the deal reached by Netanyahu and Barak.

Barak had initially objected to joining a Netanyahu-led government, but in a stark about-face he argued last week that Labor's participation was in Israel's interests.

However, Labor's move also serves its own interest.

"Labor could be less important if it become part of the opposition, and Barak will not be the chairman of the opposition. The chairwoman of Kadima Tzipi Livni would lead the opposition," Diker explained, adding "according to Israel's political values, being the chairperson of the opposition is a very respectable job."