Kadima had left Sharon's original governing coalition. In the past, Shinui had also called itself a "centrist" party because it rejected both Labor's socialism (its economic policies were free-market) and the Likud's opposition to a Palestinian state (however, from an international standpoint, Shinui may have actually been on the centre-right). Justice Minister Tzipi Livni reportedly told Israel Army Radio that Kadima intended to help foster the desire for a separate Palestinian state, a move applauded by leftist Yossi Beilin. Sharon was one of the prime architects pushing for the construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier that has been criticized by
2012 Kadima leadership election Line. Meretz leader Zehava Gal-On also congratulated Mofaz, but said his victory proves Kadima is a "centre-right" party. Labor leader Shelly Yachimovich also congratulated Mofaz, said he was worthy of the job, and said Labor was the only true opposition party. United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni blamed Livni's loss on her criticism of Haredi Jews, while National Union MK Michael Ben-Ari said Mofaz can credit his victory to Arab voters and that he was now indebted to them. 2012 Kadima leadership election An election for the leadership of Kadima was held on 27 March 2012, pitting Tzipi Livni against