Mofaz returns to government table
Transportation minister to attend Sunday's cabinet meeting for first time since returning from 'break' he took following Kadima primaries. Livni associate: We're still waiting for his final decision
"We are still waiting for Minister Mofaz's final decision, and then we'll know what he plans to do with himself," an aide to Livni told Ynet on Saturday evening, as the Kadima chairwoman continued with her attempts to form a new government.
Ynet reported recently that should Mofaz decide to fully resume his political activity, she would offer him the Foreign Ministry portfolio and the role of acting prime minister.
Mofaz's decision to return to the Transportation Ministry, which was first reported by Ynet, was made on Thursday. During the cabinet meeting, he was expected to raise a series of issues relating to his office, including the building of highways in the Negev.
The transportation minister was expected to ask the government to approve the full payment of the El Al airline's security expenses. Another issue to be raised was his demand to cancel the budget cuts to the National Road Safety Authority. The cost of these decisions is estimated at NIS 350 million (about $101.3 million).
Sources in Mofaz's office clarified that the minister would be fully resuming his work at the ministry, but that at this stage he has no plans to discuss his future plans with the media.
"He has yet to decide and has definitely not declared his intentions," an aide to Mofaz said.
Coalition talks continue
Meanwhile, the PM-designate is continuing in her efforts to form a coalition, currently attempting to bridge the economic gaps in her negotiations with the Labor Party.
Following a request by Labor Chairman Ehud Barak, Livni is expected to meet with a team of senior economists, including Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer. Barak is trying to convince Livni to increase the budget deficit from 1.7% to 2.5%.
An aide to Livni stressed that "those who invited the economists were Barak and his people." According to the associate, there are those who support the increase and those who oppose it. "In the end of the day, the important thing is the working mechanism between Barak and Livni," the aide concluded.
Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, who is currently visiting Washington, said over the weekend that "it would be a disaster to break the budget frame. I don’t think the State of Israel can reopen its budget now. It's unthinkable, particularly in light of the global economic crisis, which will affect Israel."
Sheetrit expressed his support for general elections should there be no progress in the coalition talks soon.
"There's a 50/50 chance a new government will be established. Tizpi Livni wants to form a new coalition and is conducting talks to that end, but we are not afraid of going to general elections, and therefore these talks should have a time limit to prevent added pressure (from political parties)," he said.
Roni Sofer contributed to this report
