Israel's Labour Party has approved the start of formal negotiations with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to forge a unity government to push through his Gaza pullout plan.
Mr Sharon, who is leader of the Likud party, made overtures to Labour, led by Shimon Peres, after losing his parliamentary majority last month.
Mr Sharon lost his parliamentary majority when far-right allies defected in anger over his blueprint for removing troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip.
