Netanyahu warns Barak - UPI.com JERUSALEM, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has accused Defense Minister Ehud Barak of "stoking a conflict" with the United States. "He [Barak] traveled to the U.S. to stoke the conflict between us and the Americans in order to come off as the savior [of the peace process], the moderate party that reconciles between the sides," the Hebrew language daily Yedioth Ahronoth Wednesday quoted Netanyahu as saying. The growing rift threatens chances of passing a state budget, which must be submitted to the Knesset by Nov. 1, The Jerusalem Post said. The rift stems from a request by Barak for a guarantee he serve as defense minister in the next government if national elections are held. Netanyahu responded negatively, resulting in Barak saying he will oppose the budget, Yedioth said. It is possible Netanyahu will initiate early elections, possibly as early as mid-January or mid-February if the budget fails to pass, the Post said. "It is no secret that in closed Cabinet meetings, and sometimes in public, Barak holds different opinions than most of his fellow Cabinet members -- including the prime minister. ... in his trips to the U.S., Barak defends the government's position and tries to contribute," a statement released by Barak's office said.