Ehud Barak is busy speaking with party leaders, working to persuade them that entering into coalition talks may be in the party’s interests. Many of the party’s leaders are opposed to such a move, already resigned to the reality of opposition.

For Barak however, the picture regarding his political future is more complex. If Kadima enters the government, he at least earns the title of opposition leader, entitling him to an official position. The opposition leader is permitted to address the plenum following any address from the prime minister, as well as meeting monthly with the prime minister to be briefed on major defense and other policies. He receives security and perks on par with cabinet ministers.

If Kadima opts to forgo joining a coalition, then Tzipi Livni will become the opposition leader since it will become the largest party not in the coalition. If Barak does not enter a coalition, that will leave him as a regular MK, significantly complicating plans to rebuilt and restructure the party, and placing his political future as the party leader in jeopardy.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)