Olmert: Netanyahu a patriot

'Israel needs a strong, stable government that will reflect the public's will,' outgoing PM says
Roni Sofer|
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"Bibi (Netanyahu) understands the weightiness of pursuing the peace process," outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert saidMonday night of his designated replacement.
Speaking to representatives of the Jewish Agency at his Jerusalem office, Olmert said "My position that Israel needs a broad government is well-known, and the next government should be established expeditiously.
"Bibi is a patriot. In the past, during his tenure as PM, he also understood the importance of pursuing peace," he said.
Tzipi Livni ,who replaced Olmert as the head of the Kadima party in September, remains adamant in her refusal to join a coalition led by Netanyahu .
Following Sunday's meeting with the Likud leader, Livni said "there are some serious conflicts on political issues," adding that Netanyahu had not replied positively to the question of whether he would strive for a two-state solution. "It's significant to me," she said.
Olmert continued to say, "As someone who is aware of the difficult decisions that lie ahead, I believe Israel needs a strong, stable government that will reflect the public's will and gain the necessary trust and support to face the political, economic and security-related challenges we are facing."
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