In a spot, Sharon turns to rival Netanyahu

The Israeli diplomatic source said Sharon, now trying to build a narrow Right-wing government, was meeting Netanyahu at the prime minister’s ranch in southern Israel.

‘‘They are meeting now,’’ the source said. ‘‘The PM will apparently offer him the Foreign Ministry post.’’

Netanyahu, 53, popularly known as ‘‘Bibi’’, has said he will challenge Sharon in the yet to be scheduled Likud leadership election, a goal that could stop him accepting the Foreign Ministry post.

Netanyahu might accept Sharon’s offer, but only on the condition that they reach a deal on his next move in domestic politics.

Palestinians have already expressed alarm at Sharon’s offer of the Defence portfolio to former Army Chief Shaul Mofaz, who has advocated expelling Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.

Netanyahu has also called for Arafat’s ouster and if they both join the government, Sharon would probably be caught between their hawkish views and fierce US opposition to such a move.

Cabinet Minister Danny Naveh said Sharon would begin formal talks on Sunday with prospective partners in a narrow government.

Meanwhile, Sharon has said that he will not change the basic policies of his government in an effort to woo extreme Right parties into his coalition.

The moderate Labour party, the largest faction in Sharon’s coalition, quit the government this week over a budget dispute that Left the government without a majority and makes it vulnerable to a no-confidence vote in Parliament that could bring down the government and force fresh elections.

Sharon is looking to small, far-Right parties in an attempt to maintain a viable coalition, but he said he would not change his positions to accommodate them.