Israeli MPs back early elections

The crisis comes at a critical point in peace talks

Israeli MPs have voted for a bill which could force Ehud Barak's 11-month-old government to call early elections.

A majority of members backed the move, after the ultra-Orthodox Shas party - a key element in Mr Barak's coalition - decided to support legislation initiated by the right-wing opposition.

The bill must go before a parliamentary committee, and pass two further readings in parliament before becoming law - a process which could take months.

It nevertheless represents the biggest political challenge that Mr Barak has had to face since becoming prime minister.

The defeat in the Knesset comes at a particularly sensitive time for Mr Barak, with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright visiting the Middle East to asses peace prospects.

Correspondents say that early elections could paralyse the peace efforts for months.

Dispute over schools

The crisis began when Mr Barak called off talks with Shas over funding for the Orthodox schooling system.

The party's response was to vote with the opposition.

The prime minister will need to get win back the support of Shas if the bill calling for early elections is to be defeated on its subsequent readings.

Shas was reported by Israel Radio on Tuesday as saying it would reconsider its support for the bill if Mr Barak renewed negotiations.

Mr Barak had threatened to punish those who voted against him by ousting them from his coalition - but if he carries out this threat he may have to form a minority government.

Support vital

Although Shas has only 17 members in the 120-seat Knesset, it is nevertheless the second biggest party in the ruling coalition, after Mr Barak's own Labour Party, and its support is essential for the government to secure a majority.

But Mr Barak said he was not afraid to face the electorate and would not hesitate to call early elections if the bill succeeded.

"I will not hesitate, if there is a need to go to the nation itself. They will know how to judge the behaviour of all those who would interrupt me in fulfilling my mission."

On Tuesday, Mrs Albright met Mr Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who has agreed to meet President Bill Clinton for a fresh round of talks in Washington next week.

It is uncertain whether Mr Barak will take part in the US plan for a three-way summit.