1.   Most leading ministers resigned, complaining of his dictatorial behaviour, and now form the parliamentary opposition.

2.   Nor did he enjoy the business of parliamentary opposition.

3.   Restraint was initially the responsibility of the parliamentary opposition using a system of procedural checks on estimates and expenditure payments.

4.   The announcement represented a compromise after weeks of tension between the government and the parliamentary opposition.

5.   As long as their parliamentary opposition seems vigorous, the far-right will probably remain marginal.

6.   As Socialist Party leader, he now heads the parliamentary opposition.

7.   Casting about for an effective strategy to challenge Barak with a weakened parliamentary opposition, some rightist leaders are contemplating a return to street protests and settlement actions.

8.   Equally important, he alternately bullied and flattered the parliamentary opposition into submission.

9.   For a start, he needs to create a professional police force, rationalize government administration and finances and make room for a functioning parliamentary opposition.