Hatnua leader Tzipi Livni
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg
Seeking opposition leader role, Livni warns against Zionist Union dissolution
Speaking at the start of a Zionist Union faction meeting, the Hatnua leader says she should be the one to replace Isaac Herzog, who will be vacating his position soon after being elected Jewish Agency chairman; leading the opposition, she states, could ‘serve as a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the partnership’ between Hatnua and the Labor Party.
Knesset Member Tzipi Livni said Monday she should be appointed opposition leader
instead of Isaac Herzog, who will be vacating his position soon after being elected Jewish Agency chairman.
Speaking at the start of the Zionist Union faction meeting at the Knesset, Livni said that “the Zionist Union is one of the biggest factions in the Knesset thanks to the partnership we created. Leading the opposition is necessary in my opinion for continuing the partnership, and it could serve as a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the partnership and strengthen the Zionist Union, and for joint decisions in the future.”
Livni and Gabbay. Zionist Union headed towards a split? (Photo: Hillel Meir/TPS, Ohad Zwigenberg)
Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay, who sat next to Livni during the meeting, refused to respond to questions on the identity of Herzog’s replacement.
Herzog clarified Sunday that he believes Livni should replace him as opposition leader. The agreement between Livni and Herzog before the last elections included a rotating leadership deal, although Livni has avoided claiming an implementation of that deal so far.
According to estimates in Livni’s party, Hatnua, there is no chance that Livni will forgo the position at this time. As far as she is concerned, the rotation agreement between Labor and Hatnua is valid and must be fulfilled. Labor leader Gabbay, who should be committed to the agreement, has yet to announce his decision.
Gabbay himself cannot be appointed opposition leader because he is not a Knesset member. Sources in the Labor Party believe Gabbay wishes to appoint MK Shelly Yachimovich as opposition leader. In such an event, Livni would be able to claim that her agreement with Herzog has been violated, increasing the chances for a split between the two parties.
The opposition leader receives security briefings from the prime minister, is guarded by the Shin Bet’s VIP protection unit and travels in an armored vehicle.
