It appears that Israel will have a government serious about its security.

Israeli President Shimon Peres chose hard-line Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new Israeli government on Friday, ending days of speculation and giving Netanyahu six weeks to put together a ruling coalition.

The question now is whether Netanyahu will form a narrow government with his hard-line allies or a broad government along with his centrist rival, Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni. His choice will have serious ramifications for the Mideast peace process.

Peres made his announcement early Friday afternoon after holding meetings with Netanyahu and Livni. An official ceremony appointing Netanyahu was to be held shortly afterward.

My hope is that Netanyahu forms a government without Kadima, given that Israelis rejected the left-wing and voted strongly for conservative parties. A centrist regime would not really meet the needs of Israel, either -- especially since Livni demands that Netanyahu agree to a rotating premiership.