Big Tent?

There is a new development in the process of forming the next coalition government in Israel.

In this post earlier this week, I described reports that the Likud Party's leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been designated by President Shimon Peres to form a government and become prime minister again, seemed to be on the verge of forming a narrow coalition.

Now, Peres is allowing Netanyahu more time, to attempt to broaden that coalition. According to this New York Times report, his main target is the Labor Party, led by Defense Minister (and fellow former Prime Minister) Ehud Barak.

The Times article leaves the impression that inclusion of the centrist Kadima Party, led by Tzipi Livni, is off the table.