President Shimon Peres is well aware that Tzipi Livni does not enjoy widespread support for attempting to build a new coalition.

Representatives of the National Union, Yisrael Beitenu and the National Religious Party opposition parties met with President Peres, calling for national elections within 90 days.

Nevertheless, the president is expected to call on Livni to form the next coalition and it is believed he will give her the mandate on Monday, prior to his scheduled Monday night departure for North America.

MK Effie Eitam told Ynet that he does not see the point of attempting to “patch” one coalition over another during this critical time period when pertinent issues need to be addressed.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)