11.  The leaders of the Arab parties criticized Peres, saying he was no different from hard-liner Netanyahu.

12.  The predominantly Arab parties have about seven together and they would likely be passive supporters of a Labor government, as they have been these past four years.

13.  The two Arab parties are celebrating their success, as well they might.

14.  Tibi said he had heard echoes of that attitude in the way that Barak treated Arab parties in the talks that led to the formation of his government.

15.  Among the newcomers is the Islamic Movement, one of five Arab or predominantly Arab parties running this year.

16.  Among three tiny Arab parties not expected to win seats in parliament, two endorsed Peres this week and a third asked voters to cast blank ballots.

17.  Another new Arab party was formed by Ahmed Tibi, an Israeli citizen and former close adviser of Yasser Arafat.

18.  Barak also has a pledge from ten lawmakers belonging to Arab parties to back him from outside the coalition.

19.  But other right-wing legislators said they would not vote with Arab parties.

20.  Endorsements from several smaller Arab parties were expected in the next few days, Israeli media reports said.