New Israel defence minister named

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Israel's newly-elected Labour Party chief and former Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, has been appointed defence minister.

His candidacy was proposed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and the move was then approved by the cabinet.

Mr Barak will formally take office on Monday, replacing Amir Peretz.

The Labour Party is the second major partner in the governing coalition. Mr Barak won the party's leadership elections earlier this week.

He obtained 51.2% in the second-round of voting, while former intelligence chief Ami Ayalon gained 47.7%. The remaining ballots were spoilt.

Incumbent Amir Peretz, who was heavily criticised after the 2006 Lebanon war, was knocked out in the first round.

IDF reform pledge

Mr Barak's appointment as defence minister was widely expected.

After winning the Labour leadership contest, Mr Barak, the country's most decorated soldier, pledged to lead reforms in the Israel Defence Force (IDF).

"I promise to put all my efforts and my knowledge into strengthening the security forces and the IDF and into restoring our military might and Israel's power of deterrence," he said.

Mr Barak has called for Mr Olmert to resign over his handling of the war.

However, correspondents say he is unlikely to bring down the coalition led by Mr Olmert's Kadima party, as opinion polls indicate the right-wing opposition party, Likud, would be likely to win in the event of a general election.

Mr Barak was in the political wilderness for six years after losing the 2001 general election.

His defeat followed 19 months as prime minister, during which he tried but failed to achieve a comprehensive peace deal with the Palestinians.