Sharon, Lapid call for unity

The leaders of two of Israel’s three largest political parties are calling on Labor to join them in a government of national unity.

In his speech just 40 minutes after polls closed, Shinui leader Yossef (Tommy) Lapid said together with Labor and the Likud Israel could have its first entirely secular government.

Likud leader Ariel Sharon too is expected to make the same call during his victory speech within the next two hours.

However, so far Labor has rejected the appeals and says it will be a fighting opposition.