Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling Likud party has approved an electoral pact with the ultranationalist Yisrael Beitenu, overcoming internal opposition within Likud.
Opponents of the temporary alliance for the January general election failed in their bid to have the matter decided by secret ballot and the motion passed by an overwhelming show of hands on Monday.
"In the face of the security and financial challenges we need unity and responsibility," Netanyahu told members of the Likud's governing central committee convened in Tel Aviv to vote on his proposal for a partnership with the far-right party headed by Foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman. "At this time, it's essential that national camp unites forces. That's why I asked Lieberman to run with the Likud," he said.
Netanyahu said his party would remain independent, and "continue our way in preserving our security, heritage, economy."
Likud holds 27 of the 120 seats in the outgoing Knesset, or parliament, while Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu has 15 seats. Polls predict that working as a team will give them at least as many members in the next parliament and probably more.
Internal opposition to the plan was led by Public Services Minister Michael Eitan, who called it "a mistake that will undermine Likud" - but his bid to have it put to a secret ballot failed to garner enough support.