Olmert partners Labour

The incoming Israeli government will move swiftly to draw a final border with the West Bank, withdrawing from parts of the area and speeding up construction of a massive separation barrier, according to the guidelines of a new coalition agreement. The centrist Kadima Party signed the accord with the Labour Party on Thursday, bringing Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert closer to the parliamentary majority he will need to push through his plan.

Headed by Olmert, Kadima won last month8217;s parliamentary election. But it fell short of a majority in the 120-seat parliament, forcing it to seek coalition partners. Kadima and Labour are expected to complete formation of the coalition with smaller partners in the coming days.