(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
The Chairwoman of Kadima, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, arrived at the President's Residence this evening and informed that President that she did not succeed in garnering a coalition to form a government. The Minister told the President: "It became clear shortly after the holiday that at its core the process did not demand more time. And if you know that time will not contribute to achieving a resolution, then time will not help, it only perpetuates uncertainty, and therefore I have arrived at this decision. There are times when something needs to be done. From all the years of your experience, you know the moment when it is necessary to do the right thing," Livni added.
President Peres responded to the Minister: "I want to thank you from my heart for the very serious and very honest efforts that you made during your attempt at forming a government under conditions that were not simple - neither externally nor internally."
President Peres gave notice that in the aftermath of Livni's announcement, it was his intention "to invite the various delegations, to transmit to them the information that has been transmitted to me, and to hear their opinions. According to the law, within three days I need to announce my conclusion to the Speaker of the Knesset."
President Peres will begin a round of consultations with the heads of the Knesset factions this evening before arriving at his decision.