Likud and Labour agree on unity government: Israeli television

JERUSALEM, Dec 17 (AFP) - Israeli Prime Ariel Sharon's Likud party and the main opposition Labour party agreed Friday on the formation of a national unity government, Israeli television reported.
The agreement was reached during a phone call between Labour party leader Shimon Peres and Likud's chief negotiator, Yoram Raded, public television said.
The deal is due to be signed on Sunday and will see Labour given eight ministerial posts.
Peres will be given the post of deputy prime minister, television said.
Sharon, bereft of a majority for more than six months, needed to bring Labour into government in order to ensure the implementation of his controversial Gaza pullout plan.

12/17/2004 18:35 GMT - AFP