Premier-designate Tzipi Livni appears committed to meeting with President Shimon Peres on Sunday to announce her coalition or call for new elections. The announcement follows the Shas Party announcement that the Council of Torah Sages has decided to reject the latest and reportedly final Kadima offer and will not be joining the coalition along with Labor and other parties.

Shas and Kadima officials met on Thursday, at which time Kadima exhibit a willingness to allocate additional funds towards monthly child allowance payments. Following the meeting, Livni signaled it would be the final offer and Shas would now be compelled to make the decision – to join the government of to remain in opposition.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)