Ongoing coalition negotiations between Kadima and Yisrael Beitenu may compel Labor and Meretz to abstain when asked to recommend to President Peres which party should receive the mandate to form a coalition government.

MKs in Labor and Meretz are angered over ongoing contact between Kadima and Yisrael Beitenu, as Kadima works to sign a deal with Avigdor Lieberman’s party in the hope of assembling a coalition majority. It appears however that the 15 seats gained from Lieberman will be canceled out in the loss of Labor and Meretz.

While Labor leader Ehud Barak continues to indicate he hasn’t ruled out any possibilities, voices emanating from party headquarters seem to indicate Barak is preparing to remain in opposition. Senior party officials, including secretary MK Eitan Cabel have announced sitting in a government with Lieberman is a non-starter. Ofir Pines, who was a minister in the outgoing cabinet, resigned after Yisrael Beitenu joined the coalition.

As for Meretz, party leaders have stated they will not agree to enter a coalition that includes Yisrael Beitenu.

On Tuesday morning, senior Kadima MK Tzachi Hanegbi announced that Tzipi Livni is aware that she is unable to establish a coalition and the options remaining are a rotating coalition or opposition.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)