Israeli Prime Minister Tzipi Livni is running into roadblocks in her cabinet-making process as coalition talks with the Shas Party seemingly totter toward breakdown.
With just 10 days left for her to cobble together a government within the 42-day time limit, the woman leader of the ruling Kadima party encountered a strong setback on Wednesday night when the ultra-Orthodox party turned down her coalition offer.
Local daily Ha'aretz quoted Shas lawmakers as saying that Livni' s offer, to transfer 800 million shekels (some 205 U.S. dollars)to child stipends and various religious institutions, was insufficient.
Negotiating teams from both parties are expected to meet again on Thursday. Yet Israeli news service Ynet reported that Livni is unlikely to make any more generous gestures to Shas, saying that she was not completely convinced that Shas wants to join her government.
Earlier this month, Livni secured an initial coalition agreement with the second largest party Labor. While bargaining with Shas, the premier-designate is also conducting talks with some smaller parties, whose partnership might offset the possible absence of Shas.
The would-be second woman premier in Israel's history now faces three options: a wide coalition with Shas, a narrow one without it or an early general election. Ynet reported that Livni is now very close to a decision on whether she would present a narrow coalition to the parliament for approval or opt for an early election should she fail to draw Shas under her flag.
"If Livni brings a narrow coalition before the Knesset (the parliament), we will vote against it," Shas leader Eli Yishai was quoted as saying. Several Kadima lawmakers have also voiced rejection to a narrow government.
Meanwhile, an early general election does not seem like a better choice. Recent polls showed that the current main opposition party Likud would emerge as the biggest winner.
Livni's cabinet-making deadline expires on Nov. 3. Yet Ha'aretz reported that she is expected to announce later Thursday that she would call for an early election if the coalition deals are not sealed by next week.
Source:Xinhua
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