Israeli Race Neck and Neck

Move could boost peace talks with Palestinians

(AP) - The Israeli prime minister has asked moderate opposition leader Tzipi Livni to join his government—a move that could boost efforts to restart negotiations with the Palestinians if she accepts, or rip apart her rival party if she refuses. The offer, made late yesterday after a cabinet meeting, came amid reports that Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to persuade lawmakers from Livni's Kadima party to bolt to his Likud. On Friday, one lawmaker announced she would join Likud if Livni rejected the offer. More»

(NEWSER) - This much is clear: Exit polls show that Tzipi Livni's Kadima Party has narrowly defeated Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party, the Jerusalem Post reports. So who will be the next prime minister? Not so clear. In fact, both candidates are claiming the mantle. Israel's election rules say the party with the best chance of forming a ruling coalition—not necessarily the overall winner—gets the post. Given the surge of the right-wing Israel Beiteinu party, Netanyahu has the edge, the Post notes. More»

Netanyahu falls back ahead of vote on Tuesday

(NEWSER) - With four days to go before the Israeli election, Tzipi Livni has pulled within striking distance of Benjamin Netanyahu, whose hawkish Likud Party has led throughout the race. In the last polls before a media blackout, Likud is forecast to win 25-27 seats, while Livni's centrist Kadima would win 22-23. The polls also suggest a major advance for the ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu, which has relegated Ehud Barak's Labor Party to fourth place. More»

Offensive could make or break the election for leaders who planned it

(NEWSER) - An uneasy triumvirate of Israeli politicians united to plan the offensive against Gaza, the Washington Post reports. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who will compete to become prime minister in February's election, both want to convince the electorate they can successfully defend Israel. For outgoing PM Ehud Olmert, who resigned under pressure from a corruption scandal, the offensive could be the last chance to leave a positive legacy. More»

Netanyahu calls for snap elections

(NEWSER) - Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a snap election after Ehud Olmert's sudden announcement that he will resign as Israel's PM. Riding high in the polls, the head of Likud said that "it doesn't matter who heads Kadima. They are all partners in this government's total failure." The call comes as members of the ruling party admitted to Haaretz that Olmert's successor might never take the top job. More»