While Tzipi Livni preferred to remain opposition leader in the outgoing Knesset, heading the Kadima Party with its 28 seats, it now appears as the head of The Movement Party with its six seats, she is heading to the coalition.

Yisrael Hayom reports that Livni prefers to be a part of the new coalition as she is seeking a respectable position in future talks between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority). While Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is not expected to place Livni at the head of any diplomatic talks involving future borders and other critical issues, it does appear that Mr. Netanyahu will use his creativity to find a position that will lead to Livni joining a coalition, which Yisrael Hayom predicts will include Yesh Atid and the chareidim, not Bayit HaYehudi.

It appears the newspaper does not believe that Naftali Bennett will remain true to an agreement with Yair Lapid, that they either join the coalition as a unit or both remain in opposition. While Livni is also a major proponent of the share the burden issue and changing Israel’s form of government, Mr. Netanyahu is aware that to bring her on board, he must find a suitable spot for her in the future talks with the PA. The other issues are not going to be a hindrance to bringing The Movement on board.

Regarding the two-man Kadima Party today, headed by MK Shaul Mofaz, Yisrael Hayom adds that Likud/Beitenu negotiators fear Mofaz does not actually run the party, but the decision maker is former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and if that is the case, Kadima may not be a welcome member of the new coalition.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)