Hanegbi endorses Livni in Kadima run

As the mid-September finishing line nears, the Kadima primary elections have been picking up steam in recent weeks, with leading contenders Tzipi Livni and Shaul Mofaz racking up endorsements on a seemingly hourly basis.

Livni pocketed a crucial endorsement on Wednesday, that of prominent Kadima MK and chairman of Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Tzachi Hanegbi. The committee is not subject to Livni's authority as minister of foreign affairs.

Considered a robust political force within the party, Hanegbi's endorsement is seen as likely to help Livni connect with Kadima's field operatives – long Mofaz's strong suit.

"Three years ago I answered the call of Prime Minister Sharon to help him found the Kadima movement," said Hanegbi. "Today I am announcing my decision to answer the call of the acting prime minister (Livni), and help her in her bid for the premiership.

"At the base of these two decisions lies a common denominator – the idea that Israel's best interests demand the leadership of a centrist political party, that knows to bring together views and positions rooted

in the heart of the Zionist national consensus – while renouncing extremism, in diplomacy and defense issues as well as in the field of the culture of politics."

Hanegbi further said that he believes Livni embodies that ideal, touting her public record as proof of her "values and sound judgment."

Earlier in the day Labor Chairman Ehud Barak mocked Kadima as a political "refugee camp." Kadima, in response, said that at the time of the party's establishment, Barak "begged to be number six on the Kadima list, and even discussed the matter with Ariel Sharon's closest advisors."