Advisors tell Livni to appoint coalition negotiation team
Ahead of Netanyahu-Livni meeting Sunday evening, most of opposition chairwoman's associates estimate prime minister's offer to Kadima to join government was 'not serious'
The opposition leader held talks Sunday morning with a group of advisors and advertising and strategy experts who worked with former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for many years.
Kadima's No. 2, Knesset Member Shaul Mofaz, demanded Saturday evening that Livni appoint such a team, and a source close to the Kadima chairwoman said that "making Mofaz head of the negotiations team is not a bad idea."
Most of Livni's advisors estimate, however, that "Netanyahu's offer is not serious," but say Livni will come to the meeting to listen to his proposals.
"According to the press briefings of the Prime Minister's Office so far, it's hard to believe that he really wants Tzipi Livni in the government. His government is stable, and his suggestions so far have not been serious," said one of the advisors.
Netanyahu also consulted his associates on Sunday afternoon ahead of his meeting with Livni. Sources close to the prime minister stressed that he would not be presenting a new offer to the Kadima chairwoman and has no intention to launch coalition negotiations.
Netanyahu told his advisors on Saturday evening that he has "no intention to engage in coalitional agreements of a unity government that functions wonderfully and has fully cooperating elements.
"I expect to receive Livni's prompt reply and hope that she understands the magnitude of the issue at hand," the prime minister said, while reiterating that "the goal is to expand the existing national unity government in light of the great challenges facing the State of Israel."
