Before Kadima Party leader MK Tzipi Livni had a chance to meet with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday afternoon and present her wish list, officials in the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement dispelling rumors that Kadima will be offered four cabinet posts. The message from the PM’s Office is that Kadima will be offered two cabinet posts only, for party leader Livni and the next up on the party roster, MK Shaul Mofaz, no more.

Kadima leaders are hoping for at least four cabinet slots, to permit the party to influence cabinet decisions, but it appears this will not leave the realm of a dream, at least for the time being.

Some coalition partners feel that if Livni brings Kadima into the coalition, the move would also compel PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) to renew diplomatic talks with Israel.

Netanyahu appears to be working in earnest to weaken Kadima and party leader Livni. It appears Livni may seriously entertain joining the coalition since if she rejects the offer, a number of MKs may indeed make good on their threat to break away, leaving Kadima significantly compromised politically. Most analysts feel this will be a crucial decision, and the outcome will determine Livni’s continued future as party leader or perhaps in the political arena.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)