Enemies Before Him, Enemies Behind Him

By Matt Rees/Jerusalem

Israel's Knesset was about to vote for a bill that would force new elections on Prime Minister EHUD BARAK, humiliating the man who took office 17 months ago. But Barak upstaged the body by saying he wouldn't oppose the bill. In effect, he squared off against opposition leader ARIEL SHARON and shadow candidate BENJAMIN NETANYAHU. If you want to fight, Barak said, let's rumble. But Barak had better watch his corner. Top names in his Labor Party are sneaking around the Knesset lining up support for taking over the party leadership before the likely May election. Barak's plan is to cut a peace deal with Palestinian leader YASSER ARAFAT, making the election a referendum on peace. If he doesn't do a peace deal, says former Prime Minister SHIMON PERES, Barak will surely be challenged, most likely by Knesset Speaker AVRAHAM BURG and Interior Minister HAIM RAMON.

--By Matt Rees/Jerusalem