Sunday, 17:22 IL:  Kadima leader Premier-designate and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni a short time ago met with President Shimon Peres in his official residence, informing him she was unsuccessful in forming a coalition government. The announcement comes after the initial term expired and Livni was given an additional two weeks, which she is not completing after she realized she will not be signing a deal with her major potential political allies due to irreconcilable differences.

Livni explained to the president in a nationally aired event that once she became aware of the current situation, one that would not be rectified with additional time; she decided to come to the president. Mr. Peres expressed his surprise, stating she has another week before the deadline is exhausted but Livni announced she feels the process, which has hit a dead end, should not be dragged out.

Mr. Peres explained that in the coming days he will meet with the heads of the other parties to officially inform them of the current situation, and possibility permit them to attempt to form a government. Mr. Peres explained that the law demands he inform the Knesset speaker of the situation [no later] than the end of three days.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)