Kadima faction members met on Monday and it was decided to support the position of party leader Tzipi Livni, to move to the opposition, overriding the position of the party’s number two man, Shaul Mofaz, who wants to form a coalition negotiating team and make a genuine effort to join the government.

Monday’s decision brings an end to the ongoing debate between Mofaz and Livni, and Kadima is now going to head the opposition in the 18th Knesset.

Mofaz tried to persuade party leaders, explaining “three months ago we spoke of the economic tsunami and the Iranian threat…there is a difference between supporting the coalition from the opposition and having a say in formulating policy…”

Despite his attempts to enter into serious talks with Likud negotiators, the majority opted to support the position of Livni and end the debate, opting for opposition.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)