“The accord with Labor gives Netanyahu some flexibility to deal with both U.S. peacemaker George Mitchell and Palestinian negotiators without his government cracking apart.

“And, should he move in the direction of compromise and peace, he could counter opposition from right-wing members of his coalition by making Tsipi Livni and her Kadima opposition an offer they can’t refuse to come back to the coalition, even as the right-wing factions depart.

“At the very least, Netanyahu appears ready to talk business with the Obama team, if not the Palestinians.”

Contact Robert Zelnick, 617-353-5007, bzelnick@bu.edu