Likud chief Benjamin Netanyahu and Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni failed to come to agreement on various issues that would allow for the formation of a national unity government, though the two party heads did agree to meet again later this week following their sit-down in Jerusalem on Sunday.
Speaking last night to reporters after their first meeting since the February 10 election, Livni said there are still "profound differences" between the two parties' positions on the peace process and talks with the Palestinians. "I will be taking Kadima into the opposition," she said. "Netanyahu has asked for another meeting and I agreed. As far as I am concerned, this meeting has changed nothing."
"In the coming days, I will make an effort to form a national unity government in light of the significant challenges the State of Israel faces," Netanyahu told reporters. "This is what is needed now and this is the nation's desire."
Netanyahu hinted at the disagreements that emerged between him and Livni during their talks. "In my view, we can bridge the gaps on various issues with good will," he said. "But if people look for a way not to, they find it. It is possible and it is necessary to find a common way."
Netanyahu said he is convinced that the people want a unity government and that he "hope[s] to find the way vis-a-vis the leadership of Kadima and the Labor Party."
