Israel's elections

I think that most of Israel is greatly relieved that Shas has not made it in to the government. They have been on a campaign to insult Sharon since not having been asked to join. And that is fine. They have been holding the government hostage for way too long, and frankly everyone is sick of it.

I think that everyone was hoping to see a government that included Likud, Labor, and Shinui. But Labor apparently couldn't stomach another term together with Sharon, so they are babies and not taking part.

So Sharon is suddenly the centrist member of the narrow majority. Shinui is the leftist party, and the NRP is on the right. That is kind of weird. This looks like it can be a strong government. Everyone is pretty much in agreement on most issues. NRP, while it is religious, is not in the habit of making crazy demands on the government, like Shas, and could probably get along with Shinui, as they are only mildly clerical.