Thursday, February 26, 2009

Netanyahu taking more steps to persuade Livni



Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi) says the next meeting with Livni would be decisive.
Israeli Premier-designate Benjamin Netanyahu is taking additional steps to lure Kadima leader Tzipi Livni into joining his government.

"It appears he intends to further accommodate Livni. He genuinely wishes to bring Kadima into the government and establish a broad coalition," Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot quoted unnamed sources who had earlier met Netanyahu.

"I think the meeting on Friday will be decisive and meaningful," said Netanyahu, who will hold his second meeting with Livni on Friday.

Meanwhile, sources close to Livni revealed that she might change her position on joining the coalition should Netanyahu clear up issues such as his support for the two-state solution and changing the government system.

"The two most significant main issues are the diplomatic and religious ones," said a Livni associate.

A senior Kadima official said that "if Netanyahu will back the two-state solution and offer a rotation, it will be difficult to say no to him."