http://www.newsvine.com/israel-politicsNewsvine - israel-politicsen-usCopyright 2013Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:13:38 +0000Thu, 20 Jun 2013 08:31:57 +0000http://www.newsvine.comhttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/14/17306180-israeli-government-sends-mixed-signals-on-peacehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/14/17306180-israeli-government-sends-mixed-signals-on-peaceisraelpoliticsbarack-obamaworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumlmoshe-yaalonThu, 14 Mar 2013 07:05:46 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in his Jerusalem office, Sunday, March 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, attends the weekly cabinet meeting in his Jerusalem office, Sunday, March 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in his Jerusalem office, Sunday, March 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)</p><p>FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 file photo, Israel's President Shimon Peres, right, sits with Naftali Bennett, head of Israel's Jewish Home party, during their meeting at the President's residence in Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached an agreement Thursday to form a new coalition government that is expected to try to curb years of preferential treatment for the country's ultra-Orthodox minority and may push for restarting peace efforts with Palestinians. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 file photo, former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni attends a news conference at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem. Tzipi Livni, a former foreign minister who now leads a small, dovish party, has been pointed to serve as Netanyahu's chief negotiator. Livni has good working relations with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File)</p><p>File - In this Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 photo, Yair Lapid gestures as he delivers a speech at his "Yesh Atid" party in Tel-Aviv. Lapid, who leads the second-largest party in parliament with 19 seats, is set to serve as the new finance minister with great influence over the budget. His party will also control the Education Ministry. With these two ministries, he is likely to curb funding to ultra-Orthodox schools and institutions. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, FIle)</p><p>File - In this March 10, 2013 file photograph, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in his Jerusalem office. Netanyahu signed a coalition deal Friday March 15, 2013, with rival parties to form the next government, a spokesman said, in an agreement that was stalled for weeks due to tough negotiations. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File)</p><p>FILE --In this March 9, 2011 file photo, Vice Prime Minister of the State of Israel Moshe Ya?alon is seen during his talks with Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov in Skopje, Macedonia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed former military chief Moshe Yaalon as defense minister Sunday, March 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski, File)</p><p>Students of Estella's school for bakery and pastry making, work on an image depicting U.S. President Barack Obama made out of chocolate in Givat Shmuel, central Israel, Monday, March 18, 2013. Obama’s trip to Jerusalem and the West Bank will take place March 20-22, and it is the U.S. leader’s first trip to the region as president, and his first overseas trip since being reelected. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Palestinian activists walk over a poster of US President Barack Obama in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Monday, March 18, 2013. Some two dozen Palestinian activists protested the upcoming Obama visit. Obama’s trip to Jerusalem and the West Bank will take place March 20-22, and it is the U.S. leader’s first trip to the region as president, and his first overseas trip since being reelected. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/17/16990811-israeli-leader-brings-dovish-rival-into-coalitionhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/17/16990811-israeli-leader-brings-dovish-rival-into-coalitionisraelpoliticsworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahuavigdor-liebermanmlSun, 17 Feb 2013 06:58:33 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israel's hard-line former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, arrives at a Jerusalem court for the opening hearing of his trial on charges of fraud and breach of trust, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Lieberman is accused of trying to advance the career of a former diplomat who relayed information to him about a since-closed criminal investigation into his business dealings. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israel's former hard-line Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, second right, is seen with lawyers and aides as he arrives at a Jerusalem court for the opening hearing of his trial on charges of fraud and breach of trust, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Lieberman is accused of trying to advance the career of a former diplomat who relayed information to him about a since-closed criminal investigation into his business dealings. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israel's hard-line former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman arrives at a Jerusalem court for the opening hearing of his trial on charges of fraud and breach of trust, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Lieberman is accused of trying to advance the career of a former diplomat who relayed information to him about a since-closed criminal investigation into his business dealings. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 file photo, former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni attends a news conference at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem. A spokeswoman for former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Ruesday Feb, 19, 2013 that she has agreed to join Netanyahu's emerging coalition. Livni, a former rival of Netanyahu's, led peace talks with the Palestinians four years ago and ran on a platform of resuming negotiations. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/15/15931982-israeli-election-downplays-palestinian-issuehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/15/15931982-israeli-election-downplays-palestinian-issuepeacepoliticsworld-newsus-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumlof-peaceSat, 15 Dec 2012 19:56:11 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - in this Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 file photo, Israelis inspect damage at an apartment building after it was hit by a rocket fired by militants from Gaza Strip, in the israeli central city of Rishon Lezion, near Tel Aviv. Peacemaking with the Palestinians, once the main issue by far in Israeli politics, has been strikingly absent from the campaign for next month's general election. After years of public frustration with failed peace efforts, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's badly divided challengers are trying instead to tap the economic frustrations of the middle class and a widespread resentment of perks enjoyed by fervently devout Jews. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2012 file photo, smoke rises during an explosion from an Israeli forces strike in Gaza City. Peacemaking with the Palestinians, once the main issue by far in Israeli politics, has been strikingly absent from the campaign for next month's general election. After years of public frustration with failed peace efforts, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's badly divided challengers are trying instead to tap the economic frustrations of the middle class and a widespread resentment of perks enjoyed by fervently devout Jews.(AP Photo/Hatem Moussa, File)</p><p>FILE - in this Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 file photo Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on during statements at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem. Peacemaking with the Palestinians, once the main issue by far in Israeli politics, has been strikingly absent from the campaign for next month's general election. After years of public frustration with failed peace efforts, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's badly divided challengers are trying instead to tap the economic frustrations of the middle class and a widespread resentment of perks enjoyed by fervently devout Jews.(AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/13/15884390-israeli-foreign-minister-officially-resignshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/13/15884390-israeli-foreign-minister-officially-resignsisraelpoliticsworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahuavigdor-liebermanmlThu, 13 Dec 2012 14:37:07 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE- In this Sunday, May 20, 2012 file photo Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman holds a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, not seen, during their meeting in Jerusalem, Sunday, May 20, 2012. Israel's hawkish foreign minister lashed out at the international community on Wednesday, criticizing its policies toward the Palestinians and charging that many world leaders would readily sacrifice Israel to radical Islam just as Europe appeased the Nazis before World War II. Avigdor Lieberman hit back at European foreign ministers for condemning Israel's plans to build settler housing in an especially sensitive area of the West Bank. He also accused the international community of ignoring threats to Israel, including weapons smuggling by Palestinian militants and calls for Israel's destruction from Palestinian Hamas militants and Iran.(AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 file photo, Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman talks with members of the Bosnian Presidency during meeting in Sarajevo. Israel's powerful foreign minister was charged Thursday with breach of trust, but escaped more serious charges in a fraud and money-laundering case that could jeopardize his political career and upend the Israeli political system just a month before parliamentary elections. The decision by Israel's attorney general capped an investigation into Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman that stretched back more than a decade. Lieberman, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, immediately came under heavy pressure to resign. (AP Photo/Amel Emric, File)</p><p>Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman speaks to the media during an event in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Israel’s powerful foreign minister resisted calls to resign after he was charged Thursday with breach of trust for actions that allegedly compromised a criminal investigation into his business dealings, throwing the country's election campaign into disarray just weeks before the vote. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman speaks to the media during an event in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Israel’s powerful foreign minister resisted calls to resign after he was charged Thursday with breach of trust for actions that allegedly compromised a criminal investigation into his business dealings, throwing the country's election campaign into disarray just weeks before the vote. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>FILE - in this Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012 file photo, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman speaks to the media during an event of his political party in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 Lieberman has announced he is resigning a day after an indictment for breach of trust was filed against him by the country's attorney general. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/25/15426183-ex-journalists-prominent-on-israel-labor-listhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/25/15426183-ex-journalists-prominent-on-israel-labor-listisraelpoliticslikud-partyworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumltzipi-livniehud-barakisrael-labor-partySun, 25 Nov 2012 11:16:11 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this Monday Jan. 17, 2011 file photo, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak attends a press conference in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak shook up the Israeli political system Monday with the abrupt announcement that he is quitting politics and will not run in general elections in January. The defense minister made the surprise announcement even after polls showed his breakaway Independence Party gaining momentum after Israel's recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak waves to media after a conference in Tel Aviv, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. Barak shook up the Israeli political system Monday with the abrupt announcement that he is quitting politics and will not run in general elections in January. The defense minister made the surprise announcement even after polls showed his breakaway Independence Party gaining momentum after Israel's recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak speaks to the media in Tel Aviv, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. Barak shook up the Israeli political system Monday with the abrupt announcement that he is quitting politics and will not run in general elections in January. The defense minister made the surprise announcement even after polls showed his breakaway Independence Party gaining momentum after Israel's recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak speaks to the media in Tel Aviv, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. Barak shook up the Israeli political system Monday with the abrupt announcement that he is quitting politics and will not run in general elections in January. The defense minister made the surprise announcement even after polls showed his breakaway Independence Party gaining momentum after Israel's recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak speaks to the media in Tel Aviv, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. Barak shook up the Israeli political system Monday with the abrupt announcement that he is quitting politics and will not run in general elections in January. The defense minister made the surprise announcement even after polls showed his breakaway Independence Party gaining momentum after Israel's recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)</p><p>FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2006 file photo, former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, is seen during her visit in the Chancellory in Berlin. Livni is expected to announce her return to Israeli politics on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Franka Bruns, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the national police headquarters in Jerusalem. Netanyahu, who appeared to be cruising to victory a few weeks ago, suddenly appears vulnerable as national elections approach. His Likud Party's selection of an exceptionally hard-line slate of candidates, coupled with the political return of a popular former foreign minister could galvanize Israel's divided opposition.(AP Photo/Gali Tibbon, Pool, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Monday, Sept. 12, 2011 file photo, Israel's Labor party candidate and former journalist Shelly Yachimovich holds a ballot with her name before casting her vote in Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel's Labor Party will be fielding a large number of former journalists in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections. Six former journalists, including party chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich, figure among the top 25 labor candidates who will be running in the Jan. 22 parliamentary race. The party held its primary on Thursday and released the list of candidates on Friday. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)</p><p>FILE- In this Sept. 12, 2011 file photo, Israel's Labor party candidate and former journalist Shelly Yachimovich casts her vote during her party's primary elections in Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel's Labor Party will be fielding a large number of former journalists in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections. Six former journalists, including party chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich, figure among the top 25 labor candidates who will be running in the Jan. 22 parliamentary race. The party held its primary on Thursday and released the list of candidates on Friday.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)</p> http://anotherfinemess.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/30/14810729-a-would-be-new-leader-of-israels-arabs-urges-full-integration-with-israel-the-times-of-israelhttp://anotherfinemess.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/30/14810729-a-would-be-new-leader-of-israels-arabs-urges-full-integration-with-israel-the-times-of-israelisraelworld-newsisrael-politicsTue, 30 Oct 2012 21:40:21 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/bookmark http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/25/14698098-israeli-official-vows-to-end-draft-exemptionshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/25/14698098-israeli-official-vows-to-end-draft-exemptionsisraelpoliticslikud-partyworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahuavigdor-liebermanmlisrael-beiteinuThu, 25 Oct 2012 17:08:22 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media after signing a joint declaration with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, not shown, in Jerusalem, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman shake hands in front of the media after giving an statement in Jerusalem, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012. Netanyahu said his Likud Party will join forces with the hard-line party of his Foreign Minister in upcoming parliamentary elections. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman shake hands in front the media after giving a statement in Jerusalem, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012. Netanyahu said his Likud Party will join forces with the hard-line party of his Foreign Minister in upcoming parliamentary elections. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman give a statement in Jerusalem, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012. Netanyahu said his Likud Party will join forces with the hard-line party of his Foreign Minister in upcoming parliamentary elections. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves to his governing Likud Party members during the Likud convention in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012. Israel's governing Likud Party has approved a merger with an ultranationalist rival, forming a hawkish bloc that appears poised to sweep upcoming parliamentary elections. The move to merge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party with Yisrael Beitenu, which is headed by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, passed by a large majority Monday evening at a gathering of Likud activists.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/16/14488015-poll-new-israel-centrist-party-could-defeat-likudhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/16/14488015-poll-new-israel-centrist-party-could-defeat-likudisraelpoliticsworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumlarieh-deriTue, 16 Oct 2012 20:51:39 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures as he delivers a speech at the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, Monday, Oct. 15, 2012. Israel's parliament has gathered for a vote to dissolve itself and hold early parliamentary elections. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>FILE - In this Wednesday, March 17, 1999 file photo, Arieh Deri, center, is greeted by supporters as he leaves the Jerusalem's district court after listening to his verdict. The popular ultra-Orthodox politician Deri is preparing a comeback after a 13-year hiatus that included a brief prison term for accepting bribes. (AP Photo/Eyal Warshavsky, File)</p> http://newbigtech.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/22/12889895-netanyahu-iran-tops-his-agenda-in-romney-meetinghttp://newbigtech.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/22/12889895-netanyahu-iran-tops-his-agenda-in-romney-meetingworld-newsisrael-politicsjewish-voteanti-obamaflorida-californiaromney-detroitSun, 22 Jul 2012 18:44:16 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/bookmark http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/05/06/11560702-new-israeli-coalition-confronts-first-challengehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/05/06/11560702-new-israeli-coalition-confronts-first-challengeisraelpoliticslikud-partyworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumlSun, 6 May 2012 05:26:24 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, arrives to the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, April 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, April 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech to his Likud party members in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, May 6, 2012. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce Sunday night that he'll dissolve parliament to hold early elections, a move designed to fend off domestic critics and perhaps put him in a stronger position to act against Iran.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech to his Likud party members in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, May 6, 2012. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce Sunday night that he'll dissolve parliament to hold early elections, a move designed to fend off domestic critics and perhaps put him in a stronger position to act against Iran.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech to his Likud party members during the party convention in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, May 6, 2012. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce Sunday night that he'll dissolve parliament to hold early elections, a move designed to fend off domestic critics and perhaps put him in a stronger position to act against Iran.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech to his Likud party members during the party convention in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, May 6, 2012. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce Sunday night that he'll dissolve parliament to hold early elections, a move designed to fend off domestic critics and perhaps put him in a stronger position to act against Iran.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to delivers a speech to his Likud party members during the party convention in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, May 6, 2012. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce Sunday night that he'll dissolve parliament to hold early elections, a move designed to fend off domestic critics and perhaps put him in a stronger position to act against Iran.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech to his Likud party members during the party convention in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, May 6, 2012. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce Sunday night that he'll dissolve parliament to hold early elections, a move designed to fend off domestic critics and perhaps put him in a stronger position to act against Iran.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the weekly cabinet meeting at his Jerusalem office, Monday, May 7, 2012. Netanyahu said Monday his Likud Party is going to propose Sept. 4 as the date for early elections. (AP Photo/Gali Tibbon, Pool)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Kadima party leader Shaul Mofaz shake hands before holding a joint press conference announcing the new coalition government, in Jerusalem, Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Netanyahu said Tuesday his new coalition government will promote a "responsible" peace process with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Kadima party leader Shaul Mofaz hold a joint press conference announcing the new coalition government, in Jerusalem, Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Netanyahu said Tuesday his new coalition government will promote a "responsible" peace process with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Kadima party leader Shaul Mofaz shake hands before holding a joint press conference announcing the new coalition government in Jerusalem, Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Netanyahu said Tuesday his new coalition government will promote a "responsible" peace process with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>FILE - In this Wednesday, May 5, 2010 file photo, an Israeli soldier, second left, and Ultra-orthodox Jewish men pray at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem's Old City. A controversial practice that has allowed tens of thousands of young ultra-Orthodox men to avoid compulsory military service has emerged as a looming test for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new coalition government and one that could create major mayhem in the Jewish state. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/04/28/11456548-early-israel-election-date-to-be-announced-sundayhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/04/28/11456548-early-israel-election-date-to-be-announced-sundayisraelpoliticslikud-partyworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumltzipi-livniSun, 29 Apr 2012 00:32:42 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, arrives to the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, April 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool)</p><p>Israel's Minister Ehud Barak, left, sits across from the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, April 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, April 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, April 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool)</p><p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, April 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool)</p><p>FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 file photo, head of Israel's parliamentary opposition Tzipi Livni attends a news conference at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem. Israel's recently ousted opposition leader Livni plans to quit parliament on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, but will remain active in politics, a confidant said. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/02/16/10427362-ruling-could-spark-coalition-crisis-in-israelhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/02/16/10427362-ruling-could-spark-coalition-crisis-in-israelisraelpoliticssupreme-courtworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahuisraeli-tvmlyair-lapidisraeli-justice-ministryThu, 16 Feb 2012 19:05:01 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2009 file photo an ultra-Orthodox Jewish demonstrator reacts, in front of an Israeli policeman, during a demonstration against the opening of a parking garage next to Jerusalem's Old City, in Jerusalem. Tel Aviv's City Hall is taking aim at the country's religious establishment with a move to launch bus service on the Jewish Sabbath. The decision has created an uproar and deepens a brewing cultural war between secular and religious Israelis over the nature of the Jewish state. The religious establishment has been under fire for what many perceive to be attempts to impose their cultural values on the country's secular majority.(AP Photo/ Tara Todras-Whitehill, Files)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/12/05/9222451-israel-leader-sets-likud-party-primary-for-januaryhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/12/05/9222451-israel-leader-sets-likud-party-primary-for-januaryisraelpoliticslikud-partyworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumlMon, 5 Dec 2011 13:39:05 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, surrounded by bodyguards arrives to a Likud faction meeting in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. Netanyahu said Monday his Likud Party will hold a primary election on Jan. 31. The vote, more than a year ahead of schedule, is to create "party unity" ahead of elections tentatively set for late 2013, said the Israeli Prime Minister. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a Likud faction meeting in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. Netanyahu said Monday his Likud Party will hold a primary election on Jan. 31. The vote, more than a year ahead of schedule, is to create "party unity" ahead of elections tentatively set for late 2013, said the Israeli Prime Minister. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/09/20/7876452-new-leader-gives-boost-to-israels-labor-partyhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/09/20/7876452-new-leader-gives-boost-to-israels-labor-partyisraelpoliticsworld-newslabor-partyisrael-politicsisrael-tvisraeli-labor-partymlWed, 21 Sep 2011 00:43:01 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE- In this Sept. 12, 2011 file photo, Israel's Labor party candidate and former journalist Shelly Yachimovich casts her vote during her party's primary elections in Tel Aviv, Israel. Yacimovich, 51, was declared the winner of the centrist Labor party's leadership primary after a runoff late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, garnering 54 percent of the vote compared to 45 percent support for her rival and one-time political mentor Amir Peretz, a former party leader who also served as defense minister. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/01/16/5869751-israels-defense-minister-defects-from-labor-partyhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/01/16/5869751-israels-defense-minister-defects-from-labor-partyworld-newslabor-partyisrael-politicsmlehud-barakMon, 17 Jan 2011 00:43:22 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak pauses during a press conference in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 17 2011. Barak abruptly announced Monday that he was leaving his Labor Party and forming a new parliamentary faction inside the governing coalition, completing a split in the iconic party over the handling of peace talks with the Palestinians. The dramatic and unexpected move did not immediately threaten the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's parliamentary majority. Instead, it appeared to strengthen Netanyahu's hardline coalition by leaving it with a smaller, yet largely like-minded majority. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak attends a press conference in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 17 2011. Defense Minister Ehud Barak abruptly announced Monday that he was leaving his Labor Party and forming a new parliamentary faction inside the governing coalition, completing a split in the iconic party over the handling of peace talks with the Palestinians. The dramatic and unexpected move did not immediately threaten the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's parliamentary majority. Instead, it appeared to strengthen Netanyahu's hardline coalition by leaving it with a smaller, yet largely like-minded majority. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is seen through a viewfinder of a TV camera as he gives a press conference in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 17 2011. Defense Minister Ehud Barak abruptly announced Monday that he was leaving his Labor Party and forming a new parliamentary faction inside the governing coalition, completing a split in the iconic party over the handling of peace talks with the Palestinians. The dramatic and unexpected move did not immediately threaten the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's parliamentary majority. Instead, it appeared to strengthen Netanyahu's hardline coalition by leaving it with a smaller, yet largely like-minded majority. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/01/11/5812010-israels-defense-minister-quits-labor-partyhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/01/11/5812010-israels-defense-minister-quits-labor-partyisraelpoliticsworld-newslabor-partyisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumlehud-barakTue, 11 Jan 2011 09:27:42 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, second from left, addresses the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Menahem Kahana, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak pauses during a press conference in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 17 2011. Barak abruptly announced Monday that he was leaving his Labor Party and forming a new parliamentary faction inside the governing coalition, completing a split in the iconic party over the handling of peace talks with the Palestinians. The dramatic and unexpected move did not immediately threaten the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's parliamentary majority. Instead, it appeared to strengthen Netanyahu's hardline coalition by leaving it with a smaller, yet largely like-minded majority. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak attends a press conference in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 17 2011. Defense Minister Ehud Barak abruptly announced Monday that he was leaving his Labor Party and forming a new parliamentary faction inside the governing coalition, completing a split in the iconic party over the handling of peace talks with the Palestinians. The dramatic and unexpected move did not immediately threaten the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's parliamentary majority. Instead, it appeared to strengthen Netanyahu's hardline coalition by leaving it with a smaller, yet largely like-minded majority. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is seen through a viewfinder of a TV camera as he gives a press conference in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 17 2011. Defense Minister Ehud Barak abruptly announced Monday that he was leaving his Labor Party and forming a new parliamentary faction inside the governing coalition, completing a split in the iconic party over the handling of peace talks with the Palestinians. The dramatic and unexpected move did not immediately threaten the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's parliamentary majority. Instead, it appeared to strengthen Netanyahu's hardline coalition by leaving it with a smaller, yet largely like-minded majority. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/03/23/2584137-netanyahu-will-push-for-israel-palestinian-peacehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/03/23/2584137-netanyahu-will-push-for-israel-palestinian-peaceisraelpoliticsworld-newslabor-partyisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumleitan-cabelisrael-labor-partyjewish-shas-partyMon, 23 Mar 2009 05:38:44 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this photo released by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, right, gestures as he speaks with Israeli President Shimon Peres during their meeting at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, Friday, March 20, 2009. Netanyahu met with Peres Friday to request two more weeks to form a new government as he tries to persuade moderates to join. Under Israeli law, Netanyahu initially has a month to form a government and then another two weeks if necessary. With the extension Netanyahu will have until April 3. (AP Photo/ GPO, Amos Ben Gershom, HO) </p><p>In this photo released by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, left, shakes hands with Israeli President Shimon Peres during their meeting at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, Friday, March 20, 2009. Netanyahu met with Peres Friday to request two more weeks to form a new government as he tries to persuade moderates to join. Under Israeli law, Netanyahu initially has a month to form a government and then another two weeks if necessary. With the extension Netanyahu will have until April 3. (AP Photo/ GPO, Amos Ben Gershom, HO) </p><p>In this Monday, Feb. 23, 2009 file photo Israeli Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak, left, and Israel's Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands, during a meeting in Jerusalem. Benjamin Netanyahu's bid to moderate the image of his incoming Israeli government faced a crucial test on Tuesday March 24, 2009, as the centrist Labor Party was deciding whether to join. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)</p><p>Israel's Labor Party leader Ehud Barak gestures, during a meeting of the party's central committee in Tel Aviv, Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday that would bring the centrist Labor Party into his coalition, an important step toward moderating the emerging government. Labor Party activists gathered Tuesday afternoon to vote on the deal, which calls on the government to pursue peace negotiations with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>A member of Israel's Labor Party gestures during the speech of leader Ehud Barak, during a meeting of the party's central committee in Tel Aviv, Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday that would bring the centrist Labor Party into his coalition, an important step toward moderating the emerging government. Labor Party activists gathered Tuesday afternoon to vote on the deal, which calls on the government to pursue peace negotiations with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>Israel's Labor Party leader Ehud Barak gestures, during a meeting of the party's central committee in Tel Aviv, Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday that would bring the centrist Labor Party into his coalition, an important step toward moderating the emerging government. Labor Party activists gathered Tuesday afternoon to vote on the deal, which calls on the government to pursue peace negotiations with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>Israel's Labor Party leader Ehud Barak gestures, during a meeting of the party's central committee in Tel Aviv, Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday that would bring the centrist Labor Party into his coalition, an important step toward moderating the emerging government. Labor Party activists gathered Tuesday afternoon to vote on the deal, which calls on the government to pursue peace negotiations with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>Senior Israeli Labor party officials and cabinet ministers Binyamin Ben Eliezer, left, Shalom Simchon, second left, Matan Vilnai, third right, stand on stage after the party voted to join the incoming government of Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu, at the party's central committee Tel Aviv, Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Israel's Labor Party voted Tuesday to join Netanyahu's government, giving a centrist tone to the coalition that has looked hard-line up to now. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p> http://greenpagan.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/25/2475657-netanyahu-turns-to-the-right-to-form-israel-coalitionhttp://greenpagan.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/25/2475657-netanyahu-turns-to-the-right-to-form-israel-coalitionisraelworld-newsisrael-politicsnetanyahuavigdor-liebermanrightwingersisrael-coalitionWed, 25 Feb 2009 14:39:02 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/bookmark http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/19/2452659-key-hawk-endorses-netanyahu-for-israeli-leaderhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/19/2452659-key-hawk-endorses-netanyahu-for-israeli-leaderisraelpoliticsworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahuavigdor-liebermanmlfar-right-israeliThu, 19 Feb 2009 09:17:16 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israel's Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, speaks during the 'Conference of Presidents of Major American Organizations' in Jerusalem, Monday, Feb. 16, 2009. In his address before the gathering, Netanyahu ruled out unilateral pullbacks from territory, criticizing Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, charging that it allowed the Islamic militant Hamas to take over there. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>In this photo released by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israel's President Shimon Peres, left, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party Avigdor Lieberman meet at Peres' residency in Jerusalem, Thursday Feb. 19, 2009. Far-right Israeli politician Lieberman endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister on Thursday, all but guaranteeing that Netanyahu will be the country's next leader. (AP Photo/GPO, Mark Neyman , HO) </p><p>Israel's Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman is seen before giving a speech at the 'Conference of Presidents' in Jerusalem, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009. Far-right Israeli politician Lieberman endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister on Thursday, all but guaranteeing that Netanyahu will be the country's next leader. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israel's President Shimon Peres, left, meets leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party Avigdor Lieberman at Peres' residency in Jerusalem, Thursday Feb. 19, 2009. Far-right Israeli politician Lieberman endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister on Thursday, all but guaranteeing that Netanyahu will be the country's next leader. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, pool)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/17/2445052-netanyahu-holds-most-cards-in-postelection-israelhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/17/2445052-netanyahu-holds-most-cards-in-postelection-israelanalysisworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumlTue, 17 Feb 2009 17:45:32 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israel's Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, talks to aides as he attends a faction meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Feb. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/08/2409556-israels-livni-cool-to-deal-with-netanyahuhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/08/2409556-israels-livni-cool-to-deal-with-netanyahuisraelpoliticsworld-newsisrael-politicsgolan-heightsbenjamin-netanyahukadima-partymltzipi-livniSun, 8 Feb 2009 17:55:42 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, hugs a supporter during an elections campaign tour in the northern Israeli village of Aniam, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. Israel seems to be moving rightward going into Tuesday's national election, with polls giving the edge to former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a tough stance on Mideast peacemaking that could lead to a collision with the new U.S. administration. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) </p><p>An Israeli woman sits on a bus as an election poster showing Kadima party leader Tzipi Livni is seen in the background in Jerusalem, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. General elections in Israel are scheduled for Feb. 10, 2009, and pre-election polls show Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu with a lead over Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)</p><p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, enters his car during an elections campaign tour in the northern Israeli village of Aniam, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. Israel seems to be moving rightward going into Tuesday's national election, with polls giving the edge to former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a tough stance on Mideast peacemaking that could lead to a collision with the new U.S. administration. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) </p><p>An election campaign sticker of Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu is seen on a window of bus stop as a woman walks by in Tel Aviv Tel Aviv, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. General elections in Israel are scheduled for Feb. 10, 2009, and pre-election polls show Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu with a lead over Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni as Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his Labor Party appears to have fallen behind Yisrael Beiteinu Party leader Avigdor Lieberman. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, center, holds a pita bread with falafel during an elections campaign tour in the northern Israeli city of Tiberias, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. General elections in Israel are scheduled for Feb. 10, 2009, and pre-election polls show Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu with a lead over Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni as Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his Labor Party appears to have fallen behind Yisrael Beiteinu Party leader Avigdor Lieberman.(AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israel's Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni, reacts during election night rally in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday morning Feb. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) </p><p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu address supporters at the Likud election headquarters at the convention center in Tel Aviv, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israel's Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni is pictured through a plastic Kadima flag during election night rally in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday morning Feb. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) </p><p>Israel's Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni, reacts during election night rally in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday morning Feb. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill) </p><p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, centre greet supporters at the Likud election headquarters in Tel Aviv, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 .Inconclusive election results sent Israel into political limbo Wednesday with both Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and hard-line leader Benjamin Netanyahu claiming victory and leaving the kingmaker role to a rising political hawk with an anti-Arab platform. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni, left, seen on rotating billboard, with Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. Inconclusive election results sent Israel into political limbo Wednesday with both Livni and hard-line leader Netanyahu claiming victory and leaving the kingmaker role to a rising political hawk with an anti-Arab platform. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)</p><p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, right and Benny Begin, left address supporters at the Likud election headquarters in Tel Aviv, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 .Inconclusive election results sent Israel into political limbo Wednesday with both Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and hard-line leader Benjamin Netanyahu claiming victory and leaving the kingmaker role to a rising political hawk with an anti-Arab platform. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>A worker walks next to a rotating sign showing Israeli Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni, left, and Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. Inconclusive election results sent Israel into political limbo Wednesday with both Livni and hard-line leader Netanyahu claiming victory and leaving the kingmaker role to a rising political hawk with an anti-Arab platform. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israel's Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman speaks during a meeting of his party in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu emerged as the third-largest faction in Israel's election, with 15 seats.(AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)</p><p>A worker walks next to a rotating sign showing Israeli Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni, left, and Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. Inconclusive election results sent Israel into political limbo Wednesday with both Livni and hard-line leader Netanyahu claiming victory and leaving the kingmaker role to a rising political hawk with an anti-Arab platform. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israel's Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman, center, speaks during a meeting of his party in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu emerged as the third-largest faction in Israel's election, with 15 seats. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israel's Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, left, listens to parliament member Gideon Sa'ar during a faction meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. The coalition government that emerges in Israel, whether it is led by hard-line Netanyahu or his moderate rival, Tzipi Livni, is likely to find common ground on two burning issues: Hamas and Iran. Two scenarios emerged Wednesday: a narrow coalition of hawks who would stall peacemaking with the Palestinians and a power-sharing arrangement that would give Israel a more moderate face and greater international support. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>An Israeli election worker counts remaining ballots from soldiers and absentees at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. Israeli President Shimon Peres will consult all 12 parties in the new parliament next week, and based on their preferences, he will pick either Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu or Kadima party leader and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to try to form a government. Final results of the elections are set to be released on Thursday. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli election workers count remaining ballots from soldiers and absentees at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. Israeli President Shimon Peres will consult all 12 parties in the new parliament next week, and based on their preferences, he will pick either Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu or Kadima party leader and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to try to form a government. Final results of the elections are set to be released on Thursday. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>UPDATES chatter, numbers to match latest report; Graphic shows results of Israel’s parliamentary election; 1 c x 3 1/4 in; 46.5 mm x 82.55 mm</p><p>Israeli election workers count remaining ballots from soldiers and absentees at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. Israeli President Shimon Peres will consult all 12 parties in the new parliament next week, and based on their preferences, he will pick either Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu or Kadima party leader and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to try to form a government. Final results of the elections are set to be released on Thursday. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israel's Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, center, arrives at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. The final vote of Israel's parliamentary election is to be announced late Thursday. (AP Photo/David Vaaknin) </p><p>An Israeli election worker displays a white invalid ballot reading in Hebrew: "Gilad Schalit is still alive" referring to the Israeli soldier captured by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip in a cross-border raid in 2006, during the counting of the remaining ballots from soldiers and absentees at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. Israeli President Shimon Peres will consult all 12 parties in the new parliament next week, and based on their preferences, he will pick either Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu or Kadima party leader and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to try to form a government. Final results of the elections are set to be released on Thursday. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Israeli election workers count remaining ballots from soldiers and absentees at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. Israeli President Shimon Peres will consult all 12 parties in the new parliament next week, and based on their preferences, he will pick either Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu or Kadima party leader and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to try to form a government. Final results of the elections are set to be released on Thursday. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israeli election workers count remaining ballots from soldiers and absentees at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. Israeli President Shimon Peres will consult all 12 parties in the new parliament next week, and based on their preferences, he will pick either Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu or Kadima party leader and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to try to form a government. Final results of the elections are set to be released on Thursday. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p><p>Graphic shows party breakdown of Israel's 120-member parliament</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni attends a Kadima faction meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009. Livni said Sunday that if she doesn't become Israel's next prime minister, she will lead her governing Kadima Party into the opposition, a move that could indefinitely stall Mideast peacemaking. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/01/31/2378133-israeli-polls-predict-netanyahu-win-in-close-racehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/01/31/2378133-israeli-polls-predict-netanyahu-win-in-close-raceisraelpoliticslikud-partyworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumltzipi-livniSat, 31 Jan 2009 20:04:41 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Israeli Foreign Minister and Kadima party leader Tzipi Livni waits to take her turn to be interviewed at Israel's Channel 2 studio in Neve Ilan, near Jerusalem, Jan. 31 2009, as Defense Minister and Labour party leader Ehud Barak, rear, is seen on TV. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) </p><p>Hardline Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, left, is seen through a glass studio window as he leaves after an interview at Israel's Channel 2 studio in Neve Ilan, near Jerusalem, Saturday Jan. 31 2009, while Israel's Defense Minister and Labour Party leader Ehud Barak takes his seat. A new Israeli poll gives Netanyahu 28 seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, five seats more than his closest rival, moderate Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Friday's poll results mean Netanyahu is most likely to win the Feb. 10 election and will have the best chance of forming a governing coalition. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)</p><p>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak answers questions after an interview at Israel's Channel 2 studio in Neve Ilan, near Jerusalem, Saturday Jan. 31 2009, as a poster with pictures of the three main contenders for upcoming elections, Ehud barak, Tzipi Livni and Benjamin Netanyahu, left to right, isseen in the background. A new Israeli polll gives hardline Likud leader Netanyahu 28 seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, five seats more than his closest rival, moderate Foreign Minister Livni. Friday's poll results mean Netanyahu is most likely to win the Feb. 10 election and will have the best chance of forming a governing coalition. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)</p><p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu waits to speak at the Herzliya Conference in Herzliya near Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009. The front-runner for Israel's election next week, Netanyahu, said Wednesday that Israel's offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza last month did not go far enough.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Herzliya Conference in Herzliya near Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009. The front-runner for Israel's election next week, Netanyahu, said Wednesday that Israel's offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza last month did not go far enough.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israel's Kadima party leader and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, left, dances with transsexual performer Dana International during a campaign rally for women in Jerusalem, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. Israeli polls Friday showed a narrowing race between front-runner Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, giving Livni a chance at an upset victory just days before Tuesday's national election. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)</p><p>Israel's Kadima party leader and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni holds a baby as she is surrounded by bodyguards during a campaign rally for women in Jerusalem, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. Israeli polls Friday showed a narrowing race between front-runner Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, giving Livni a chance at an upset victory just days before Tuesday's national election.(AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)</p><p>Flanked by security, Israeli Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak, second right, shakes hands with a supporter, as a man attempting to resemble a likeness of Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu looks on, while campaigning in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday Feb. 6, 2009. Israeli polls Friday predicted a narrowing race between front-runner Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, as Barak and his Labor Party fell behind Yisrael Beiteinu. (AP Photo/Moti Milrod)</p><p>Ultra-orthodox Jewish men stand in front of an election billboard showing Israel's Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. General elections in Israel are scheduled for Feb. 10, 2009, and pre-election polls show Netanyahu with a lead over Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)</p><p>Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, center, shakes hands with supporters during an election campaign event in the settlement of Beit Arieh in the West Bank, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. Israeli polls Friday showed a narrowing race between front-runner Netanyahu and his rival, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, giving Livni a chance at an upset victory just days before Tuesday's national election. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/11/20/2131297-polls-show-israels-likud-party-leadinghttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/11/20/2131297-polls-show-israels-likud-party-leadingworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumltzipi-livniThu, 20 Nov 2008 10:09:55 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/11/10/2093801-new-dovish-faction-shaping-up-in-israelhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/11/10/2093801-new-dovish-faction-shaping-up-in-israelisraelpoliticsworld-newsisrael-politicsbenjamin-netanyahumlMon, 10 Nov 2008 11:22:26 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Former British Prime Minister and Middle East peace envoy Tony Blair, center, gestures as he stands with Israeli Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, left, during their meeting in Jerusalem, Monday, Nov. 10, 2008. Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu says that if he wins the upcoming elections, he will continue peace talks with the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/09/15/1869494-livni-gets-approval-to-form-israeli-governmenthttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/09/15/1869494-livni-gets-approval-to-form-israeli-governmentisraelpoliticshurricane-katrinaworld-newsshimon-peresisrael-radioisrael-politicsehud-olmertkadima-partymltzipi-livniMon, 15 Sep 2008 18:31:58 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Tzipi Livni, Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership stands in front of Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos during a meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Sept. 15, 2008. Livni, Israel's lead negotiator in peace talks, and Cabinet minister Shaul Mofaz, a former defense minister and military chief, are the front-runners in the Kadima Party primary elections. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's Kadima Party is set to elect a new leader, after which Olmert, who has been plagued by corruption allegations, says he will step down. If Olmert's replacement cannot put together a new coalition government, Israel will hold elections. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>In this Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 file photo, Kadima party leadership candidates, Israeli Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, left, and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, attend the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. Israel's popular foreign minister Tzipi Livni squares off against a tough-talking military man Shaul Mofaz on Wednesday when the ruling Kadima Party chooses a new leader to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who is being forced from office by a corruption scandal. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty, Pool, File)</p><p>In this Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 file photo, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem. Israel's popular foreign minister Tzipi Livni squares off against a tough-talking military man Shaul Mofaz on Wednesday when the ruling Kadima Party chooses a new leader to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who is being forced from office by a corruption scandal. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, left, stands with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana as they speak to reporters prior to their meeting in Tel Aviv, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. Polls show Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni winning next week's party primary and positioning herself to become Israel's first female prime minister since Golda Meir. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>In this photo released by the Israeli Government Press Office, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, left, shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, prior to their meeting in Olmert's residence in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008. Olmert and Abbas sat down for a summit meeting Tuesday, possibly their last before the Israeli leader leaves office, making a final push to forge a peace agreement by the end of the year. (AP Photo/GPO, Moshe Milner, HO) </p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for the Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livni, center, meets supporters at a voting station in Rehovot, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Israel's popular foreign minister faced off against a grizzled former military chief on Wednesday in the leadership race for the ruling Kadima party &#8212; an election that could determine the country's next prime minister. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who hopes to become Israel's first female prime minister in more than three decades, held a strong lead over Shaul Mofaz, a former chief of staff and defense minister, in opinion polls ahead of the vote. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israeli Transportation Minister and Kadima party leadership candidate Shaul Mofaz, right, waits to vote at a polling station in Kfar Saba, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Israel's popular foreign minister faced off against a grizzled former military chief on Wednesday in the leadership race for the ruling Kadima party &#8212; an election that could determine the country's next prime minister. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who hopes to become Israel's first female prime minister in more than three decades, held a strong lead over Shaul Mofaz, a former chief of staff and defense minister, in opinion polls ahead of the vote. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Next to a car covered with posters showing Kadima primaries candidate Shaul Mofaz, an Israeli with a banner wrapped around his shoulders walks near a polling station in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Israel's popular foreign minister faced off against a grizzled former military chief on Wednesday in the leadership race for the ruling Kadima party &#8212; an election that could determine the country's next prime minister. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who hopes to become Israel's first female prime minister in more than three decades, held a strong lead over Shaul Mofaz, a former chief of staff and defense minister, in opinion polls ahead of the vote. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>Standing next to a car with a banner showing Kadima candidate Shaul Mofaz, an Israeli prays near a polling station in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Israel's popular foreign minister faced off against a grizzled former military chief on Wednesday in the leadership race for the ruling Kadima party &#8212; an election that could determine the country's next prime minister. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who hopes to become Israel's first female prime minister in more than three decades, held a strong lead over Shaul Mofaz, a former chief of staff and defense minister, in opinion polls ahead of the vote. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)</p><p>Israeli Transportation Minister and Kadima party leadership candidate Shaul Mofaz casts his vote at a polling station in Kfar Saba, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Israel's popular foreign minister faced off against a grizzled former military chief on Wednesday in the leadership race for the ruling Kadima party &#8212; an election that could determine the country's next prime minister. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who hopes to become Israel's first female prime minister in more than three decades, held a strong lead over Shaul Mofaz, a former chief of staff and defense minister, in opinion polls ahead of the vote. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)</p><p>Supporters of Israel's Kadima Party leadership candidate Shaul Mofaz, right, put up posters and banners outside a polling station in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Rivals for the leadership of Israel's ruling party faced off Wednesday in a race which will put one of them a step closer to leadership of the country.Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is being forced from office by a corruption scandal and the three-year-old Kadima Party is holding its first primary to select a new chief to replace him. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livni visits a Kadima calling center in Rishon Letzion, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Kadima convened the primary to choose a successor to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who is being forced from office by a corruption scandal. Whoever wins has a good chance of becoming the next prime minister, overseeing peace talks with the Palestinians and dealing with Iran's nuclear ambitions. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livni, right, is greeted by a supporter after casting her ballot in the Kadima primary in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Israel's popular foreign minister faced off against a grizzled former military chief on Wednesday in the leadership race for the ruling Kadima party &#8212; an election that could determine the country's next prime minister. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who hopes to become Israel's first female prime minister in more than three decades, held a strong lead over Shaul Mofaz, a former chief of staff and defense minister, in opinion polls ahead of the vote. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israeli Transportation Minister and Kadima party leadership candidate Shaul Mofaz walks out of a polling station after voting in Kfar Saba, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Israel's popular foreign minister faced off against a grizzled former military chief on Wednesday in the leadership race for the ruling Kadima party &#8212; an election that could determine the country's next prime minister. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who hopes to become Israel's first female prime minister in more than three decades, held a strong lead over Shaul Mofaz, a former chief of staff and defense minister, in opinion polls ahead of the vote. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)</p><p>Supporters of Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livini react as they hear the exit polls in Tel Aviv, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. TV exit polls say Livni has won a clear victory in the party primary election to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.(AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livni visits a Kadima calling center in Rishon Letzion, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Kadima convened the primary to choose a successor to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who is being forced from office by a corruption scandal. Whoever wins has a good chance of becoming the next prime minister, overseeing peace talks with the Palestinians and dealing with Iran's nuclear ambitions. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livni, right, gestures as she holds her drivers licence as she stands with supporters after voting in the Kadima primaries in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is being forced from office by a corruption scandal and the three-year-old Kadima Party is holding its first primary to select a new chief to replace him. The two front runners are Livni and Shaul Mofaz, a former military chief and defense minister. (AP Photo/Alon Ron) </p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livni,left, is greeted by a supporter after casting her ballot in the Kadima primary in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. TV exit polls say Livni has won a clear victory in the party primary election to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livni, right, gestures as she holds her drivers licence as she stands with supporters after voting in the Kadima primaries in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is being forced from office by a corruption scandal and the three-year-old Kadima Party is holding its first primary to select a new chief to replace him. The two front runners are Livni and Shaul Mofaz, a former military chief and defense minister. (AP Photo/Alon Ron) </p><p>A screen showing Israeli cabinet ministers and candidates for the leadership of the Kadima Party, Shaul Mofaz, right, Avi Dichter, second from right, Tzipi Livni, second from left, and Meir Sheetrit, left, are seen at the Kadima Party election headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Israel's ruling Kadima Party voted for a new leader Wednesday, choosing between Tzipi Livni, a popular foreign minister who would be the nation's first woman prime minister in more than 30 years, and Shaul Mofaz, a gruff ex-general who favors a tough line against Iran, Syria and the Palestinians. The winner will likely be Israel's next prime minister, replacing Ehud Olmert, who is stepping down over corruption charges. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)</p><p>Supporters of Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for the Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livini react as they hear the exit polls in Tel Aviv, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. TV exit polls say Livni has won a clear victory in the party primary election to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)</p><p>Israeli men talks as they look at an Israeli newspaper showing a picture of the Kadima party leadership candidates, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, bottom, and Israeli Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, at a cafe in Jerusalem Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Tzipi Livni declared victory Thursday in a surprisingly tight race to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as head of Israel's governing party, and said she would immediately turn to the task of trying to cobble together a new government. (AP Photo/Rachael Strecher)</p><p>An Israeli man reads an Israeli newspaper showing the pictures of Kadima party leadership candidates, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, top, and Israeli Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, at a cafe in Jerusalem Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Tzipi Livni declared victory Thursday in a surprisingly tight race to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as head of Israel's governing party, and said she would immediately turn to the task of trying to cobble together a new government. (AP Photo/Rachael Strecher)</p><p>In this Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 file photo released by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, center, looks on as Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, left, speaks to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni declared victory, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, in a surprisingly tight race to replace Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as head of Israel's governing party, and said she would immediately turn to the task of trying to cobble together a new government.(AP Photo/ GPO, Moshe Milner, HO) </p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and newly elected Kadima party chair Tzipi Livni gives a statement to the press outside her house in Tel Aviv, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni declared victory Thursday in a surprisingly tight race to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as head of Israel's governing party, and said she would immediately turn to the task of trying to cobble together a new government. (AP Photo/Alon Ron) </p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister and newly elected Kadima party chair Tzipi Livni gives a statement to the press outside her house in Tel Aviv, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni declared victory Thursday in a surprisingly tight race to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as head of Israel's governing party, and said she would immediately turn to the task of trying to cobble together a new government. (AP Photo/Alon Ron) </p><p>Tzipi Livni, Israeli Foreign Minister and newly elected Kadima party chair, declares victory outside her house in Tel Aviv, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni declared victory Thursday in a surprisingly tight race to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as head of Israel's governing party, and said she would immediately turn to the task of trying to cobble together a new government. (AP Photo/Koko) </p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, shakes hand with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni during a weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Israel's corruption-tainted prime minister, Olmert, told his cabinet on Sunday that he would step down, following through on a promise to allow Livni, the new leader of the ruling party, to try to form a coalition government. (AP Photos/Jim Hollander, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, left, looks at Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert during a weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Israel's corruption-tainted prime minister, Olmert, told his cabinet on Sunday that he would step down, following through on a promise to allow Livni, the new leader of the ruling party, to try to form a coalition government. (AP Photos/Jim Hollander, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, centre, and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, attend the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Israel's corruption-tainted prime minister, Ehud Olmert, told his Cabinet on Sunday that he would step down, following through on a promise to allow Livni, the new leader of the ruling party, to try to form a coalition government. (AP Photos/Jim Hollander, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, attend the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Israel's corruption-tainted prime minister, Ehud Olmert, told his Cabinet on Sunday that he would step down, following through on a promise to allow Livni, the new leader of the ruling party, to try to form a coalition government. (AP Photos/Jim Hollander, Pool) </p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni arrives at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Israel's corruption-tainted prime minister, Ehud Olmert, told his Cabinet on Sunday that he would step down, following through on a promise to allow Livni, the new leader of the ruling party, to try to form a coalition government. (AP Photos/Jim Hollander, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni arrives at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Israel's corruption-tainted prime minister, Ehud Olmert, told his Cabinet on Sunday that he would step down, following through on a promise to allow Livni, the new leader of the ruling party, to try to form a coalition government. (AP Photos/Jim Hollander, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, attend the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Israel's corruption-tainted prime minister, Ehud Olmert, told his Cabinet on Sunday that he would step down, following through on a promise to allow Livni, the new leader of the ruling party, to try to form a coalition government. (AP Photos/Jim Hollander, Pool)</p><p>Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, left, is seen at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. Livni is currently in negotiations to forge a new coalition government following her victory to succeed Ehud Olmert as leader of Israel's ruling Kadima Party. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)</p>