Netanyahu asks Livni to join govt

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again asked moderate opposition leader Tzipi Livni to join his government.
The Haaretz newspaper reports yesterday that if Livni refuses, Netanyahu will try to fragment her Kadima Party and absorb some of its lawmakers into his Likud Party.
Livni says she won't be part of a manoeuvre to split Kadima. But she says if Netanyahu's offer is serious, then she wants to explore how far he is willing to go in negotiations with the Palestinians.
But Livni Friday mulled an invitation to join the government, though the premier himself was reportedly doubtful she would accept his offer.
Either way, hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear he intended to poach members of Livni's factious Kadima party, even if the centrist opposition leader opts not to join the government.
"I would be very happy to see her join, but I have no plans to give up on the attempt to expand the coalition base," YNet News quoted him as saying.
Israeli media said Netanyahu was doubtful Livni would accept the offer which would land her a post as minister without portfolio.
"In closed forums he clearly hints that if that Livni turns him down, he will work to split the opposition faction," YNet said.
Livni refused to join his hardline coalition when he formed it in March, but he has since made some overtures toward the Palestinians.