The repeated rumours of a rapprochement with the PLO put the government coalition under tremendous strain. Many parties were split regarding a possible deal with the Palestinians. Seventeen hawkish members of the Labour party wanted to bring Tsomet and the NRP into government. Both Shas, the Mizrahi haredi party, and Meretz, a devoutly secular one led by the outspoken Shulamit Aloni, sat in the same cabinet and their constant clashes threatened a collapse of Rabin’s government and a challenge to his policies.