Tzipi Livni Iran must be stopped from attaining nuclear weapons. Prior to Lebanon's 2009 general elections (and its inclusion of Hezbollah), Livni "acknowledged an important principle" from U.S. President Barack Obama's then-recent speech in Cairo that "Elections alone do not make true democracy." She explained her position in a "New York Times" op-ed by alluding to her experience as Israel's justice minister when Hamas participated in Palestinian elections in 2006: "At the time, the counterargument was that the very participation in elections would act as a moderating force on extremist groups. With more accountability, such groups would be tempted to abandon their
2012 Kadima leadership election 2012 Kadima leadership election An election for the leadership of Kadima was held on 27 March 2012, pitting Tzipi Livni against Shaul Mofaz. Mofaz won with 62% of the vote. In November 2011, the three candidates opposed to Tzipi Livni in 2008 called for a primary to be held as soon as possible, citing the probability of Knesset elections soon. Livni said that candidates were welcome to bring up the issue at a party meeting. Livni said in an interview that she was not interested in politics. Prior opponent Avi Dichter responded that her statement was insulting to party members.