Likud party, led by Netanyahu, won 27 seats in Israel's parliament [AFP]
Avigdor Lieberman, the head of Israel's far-right Yisrael Beiteinu party, has decided to back Benyamin Netanyahu, the Likud leader, in his bid to become the country's next prime minister.
Lieberman said on Thursday he would support Netanyahu if the Likud leader strived to form a broad coalition.
"We recommend Benyamin Netanyahu, only in the framework of a broad government," Lieberman said.
"We want a government of the three biggest parties, Likud, Kadima and Yisrael Beiteinu."
Lieberman's backing significantly improves Netanyahu's chances of becoming prime minister.
Lieberman pledged his support to Netanyahu ahead of his planned meeting with Shimon Peres, Israel's president.
Peres has been meeting leaders of various political parties before deciding who to invite to form Israel's next government following last week's parliamentary elections.
Conditional support
Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland, reporting form Jerusalem, said Lieberman was giving his backing to Netanyahu, but with very clear conditions.
"The most important one being the Kadima party would, in some way, have to be persuaded to serve within the government led by Netanyahu." she said.
The Israeli president has until Febuary 25 to make his choice.
Peres began the task on Wednesday after receiving official results from February 10 general elections in which no party emerged with a clear majority.
Kadima party, led by foreign minister Tzipi Livni, came first with 28 seats.
Likud, led by Netanyahu, got 27 and Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu won 15 seats.
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Lieberman said on Thursday he would support Netanyahu if the Likud leader strived to form a broad coalition.
"We recommend Benyamin Netanyahu, only in the framework of a broad government," Lieberman said.
"We want a government of the three biggest parties, Likud, Kadima and Yisrael Beiteinu."
Lieberman's backing significantly improves Netanyahu's chances of becoming prime minister.
Lieberman pledged his support to Netanyahu ahead of his planned meeting with Shimon Peres, Israel's president.
Peres has been meeting leaders of various political parties before deciding who to invite to form Israel's next government following last week's parliamentary elections.
Conditional support
Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland, reporting form Jerusalem, said Lieberman was giving his backing to Netanyahu, but with very clear conditions.
"The most important one being the Kadima party would, in some way, have to be persuaded to serve within the government led by Netanyahu." she said.
The Israeli president has until Febuary 25 to make his choice.
Peres began the task on Wednesday after receiving official results from February 10 general elections in which no party emerged with a clear majority.
Kadima party, led by foreign minister Tzipi Livni, came first with 28 seats.
Likud, led by Netanyahu, got 27 and Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu won 15 seats.
Middle East
Israel's Lieberman backs Netanyahu
Likud leader's chances of becoming PM improves after securing far right support.
Peres to decide on Israeli premier
Battle for the Knesset
Kerry shuns Hamas during Gaza visit
US senator John Kerry is part of the first visit by American politicians to the area.
IAEA: Iran slowing down enrichment
UN's nuclear watchdog says Tehran has "considerably slowed down" uranium enrichment.
Egypt opposition head 'steps down'
Iraqi shoe-thrower trial adjourned
Israel: No ceasefire without Shalit
Clinton to attend Gaza aid summit
Sudan rebels accuse army of attacks
Israel FM: 'Give land for peace'
More in this section
Hezbollah chief defends arsenal
Baghdad hit by two blasts
Israel seizes West Bank land
Palestinians borrow to pay salaries
Israel bombs Gaza targets
Top News
Mute response to US Nato troop call
Kyrgyz MPs vote to shut US base
Venezuela seizes US 'fraud' bank
Obama visits Canada for first trip
IAEA: Iran slowing down enrichment
IN DEPTH
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IN VIDEO
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More videos ...
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