Sunday, March 15, 2009

Kadima, Likud renew coalition efforts

Even as a narrow right-wing coalition takes shape, a senior Kadima official confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Saturday night that Kadima and the Likud have renewed discussions on a possible national unity government.

The latest round of talks between the two largest parties were initially brokered by Likud negotiation team chief MK Gideon Sa'ar and Kadima MK Tzahi Hanegbi, but sources in the parties said that subsequently, Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu and Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni held direct talks.

Netanyahu and Livni have reportedly already held one meeting together, and more are likely.

Livni was willing to compromise on the issue of a rotation for the premiership, with Netanyahu serving for three years in the top spot, and Livni completing the final 21 months of the scheduled term, Kadima officials said.