Tzipi Livni with Kadima's coalition partners, particularly the Shas party, which had set conditions for joining a Livni government, including an increase in child allowances to Haredi communities, and a vow not to negotiate the status of Jerusalem during peace talks with the Palestinians. Livni was able to sign a coalition agreement with the Labor party, led by former prime minister Ehud Barak, but on 26 October, informed the President that she was unable to form a government and suggested Israel go to elections. Livni cited her unwillingness to sell out her principles just to become prime minister, stating, "I was willing
2012 Kadima leadership election Another Kadima MK called the remarks "the opposite of prime ministerial." Livni said that candidates were welcome to bring up the issue at a party meeting. However, at the meeting Livni maneuvered to delay the primary for several months. Finally, on 19 January 2012, Livni set the primary date for 27 March 2012. A Haaretz article stated that the campaign will likely involve mudslinging and personal attacks that could further damage the party's standing. At a campaign rally, Livni was confident and said that Kadima under her leadership was best poised to defeat the incumbent Likud under Benjamin Netanyahu. Mofaz