Livni Rejects Netanyahu Coalition Offer

Move means ultra-right parties will make up next government

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2009 8:01 AM CST

(Newser) – Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister-designate, failed to persuade rival Tzipi Livni to join him in a broad coalition government, Haaretz reports. At a meeting today, Netanyahu made substantial concessions to the current foreign minister, including key ministerial posts for her party, Kadima. But Netanyahu's refusal to endorse a two-state solution left Livni unable to join his government.

Although Netanyahu may make further attempts to persuade her, both his Likud Party and Kadima say that a union is unlikely. That means Netanyahu will have to rely on ultra-Orthodox parties, along with the hard-right Yisrael Beiteinu, to muster a narrow majority. While some in Likud hoped they could persuade junior Kadima members to rebel against their leader, one Livni associate said that "the whole party is behind her. Talk here and there means nothing."

Incoming Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and foreign minister and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni sit together prior to their meeting in Tel Aviv, Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Moti Milrod)

Israel's Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Kadima party leader Tzipi Livni together during a swearing-in ceremony for Israel's 18th Knesset, parliament, in Jerusalem Tuesday. (AP Photo/Jim Hollander, Pool)

Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference with Israel's President Shimon Peres, not pictured, at the President's residence in Jerusalem Friday, Feb.20, 2009. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)

Israel's Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, right, introduces his wife Sarah and his sons to Kadima party leader Tzipi Livni during a swearing-in ceremony for Israel's 18th Knesset. (AP Photo/Jim Hollander, Pool)

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Livni Rejects Netanyahu Coalition Offer

Move means ultra-right parties will make up next government

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Move means ultra-right parties will make up next government

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Israel • Tzipi Livni • Benjamin Netanyahu • Kadima • Likud • Israeli election • two-state solution • Yisrael Beiteinu

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Israeli Women Refuse to Move to the Back of the Bus

Women defiant as ultra-Orthodox men try to impose religious views

Israel Freeing 1K Palestinians to Bring Soldier Home

Government strikes deal with Hamas for Gilad Shalit

Palestine to Security Council: Take Your Time

Statehood resolution doesn't have votes to pass

Obama to Meet With Palestinian Leader at UN

He'll also meet with Netanyahu as Perry, Romney hammer policies

Abbas: We're Going for Statehood

Palestinian leader says he needs world to 'recognize the occupation'

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