-

Israel's Political Turmoil

-

-

Israel's New PM In-Waiting?

Tzipi Livni Wins Primary

-

50 year old Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni won a hard fought primary battle against Shaul Mofaz for the top leadership post in Israel's Kadima Party. The victory allows Livni to attempt to form a new coaltion government as Prime Minister Olmert steps down from his post amid criminal charges of corruption.

Livni has served as Foreign Minister for the past two and a half years in the Kadima administration after being chosen for the post by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon before his debilitating stroke forced his removal from office. After Sharon's removal for health reasons, Ehud Olmert took over and Livni was retained as Foreign Minister.

If Livni can retain the coalition government, she would be Israel's second female Prime Minister in the country's 60 year history. For more details on Livni's victory and Israel's political situation, .

++++++

Netanyahu Calls For New Elections

The leader of Israel's conservative-oriented, Likud Party called for new, general elections after the results of the Kadima Party's primary were announced. Likud leader, Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Kadima Party's primary winner, Tzipi Livni to work together to coordinate a general election in Israel to be held as soon as possible. On Wednesday, Livni won the Kadima Party Primary, narrowly edging out Shaul Mofaz by barely one percentage point. For more details, LINK HERE.

++++++

Kadima Party Imploding?

Mofaz Quits Politics

In the wake of the Kadima Party's primary, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's victory may be a hollow one. Her chief rival, Shaul Mofaz announced shortly after the final results that he was quitting politics at least for awhile. Mofaz' supporters have signalled that they will likely bolt the party, fracturing what little power remained within Kadima.

It should be remembered that Kadima is a new party started in 1996 by Ariel Sharon when he lost control of the Likud Party over his controversial moves to implement new peace talks. Sharon formed a new coalition party which he named Kadima and rallied support from disaffected leaders in Likud, Labor and minority parties. That fragile coalition that created Kadima is now falling apart in the wake of the party's first real primary.

As a result, Livni was stunned by Mofaz' exit from politics. LINK even as she called for unity. LINK and Prime Minister Olmert's resignation. LINK.

-

-

-

-

-

-