MK (The Movement) Meir Sheetrit stated that party leader Tzipi Livni will head Israel’s negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority), of course with the final word resting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Sheetrit wishes to counter statements made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who played down Livni’s role to signal he did not give the talks with the PA to the left-wing. He stated that Livni will have the authority to represent the nation in the talks with the understanding that the prime minister maintains the final word.

The announcement appointment has resulted in a wave of comments from the right-wing against the move, warning against “giving the keys to the nation” to Livni.

There has been a fair share of criticism from inside Likud as well, with the morning newspapers quoting “senior unnamed ministers and sources” in the party expressing their dissatisfaction with the move, which they feel represents a betrayal to the Likud electorate.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)