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ANALYSIS / Likud's strategy against Yisrael Beiteinu? Kid gloves By Mazal Mualem Tags: kadima, likud, Israel news  Likud is currently being careful not to attack Yisrael Beiteinu in its campaign, even though it has lost votes to the latter over the last few weeks. Likud is assuming it will need Avigdor Lieberman's party as a coalition partner should it form the next government. For the same reason, campaign activists have been given strict instructions not to say anything against Lieberman personally. And for now, at least, Lieberman appears to be returning the favor: His campaign has not targeted either Likud or its leader, Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Each day Likud campaign officials reevaluate the decision not to attack Yisrael Beiteinu, but for now, they are unanimous in agreeing that this would be unwise - especially given Lieberman's popularity among Russian immigrants. As a result, Likud is searching for other, less direct methods of wooing voters away from Lieberman. One method is by telling voters that it is important to vote Likud so that Netanyahu, rather than Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni, forms the next government. Lieberman is not considered a serious contender for prime minister, so this is not a slap at Yisrael Beiteinu. At the same time, Likud is promising that Lieberman will be a senior partner in any Netanyahu government. For now, Likud officials say, the movement of voters from Likud to Yisrael Beiteinu is not large enough to warrant drastic measures. But they are keeping a close eye on the matter. Likud is also trying not to attack other, smaller rightist parties, because it prefers to stay focused on its principal rival, Kadima. Kadima, however, is hoping that the mutual civility between Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu breaks down well before the elections. Kadima is fighting a two-front war, against Likud and Labor, and would like nothing better than to see its main rival faced with the same problem. Related articles: Livni, after Quartet meet: I'm not repeating mistakes of Camp David Peres at Rabin memorial: Oslo Accords served the supreme Zionist interest Haniyeh: Hamas willing to accept Palestinian state with 1967 borders Bookmark to del.icio.us   Reviving the Mideast U.S envoy to the Mideast is due to arrive in Israel for talks on boosting a Gaza cease-fire. Iranian uranium London Times: Iran's supply of yellow cake may run out within months.   1.   Likud Will Win Elections, Lieberman Will Be Part Of Coalition 05:58  |  Livin In Rishon 23/01/09   2.   That`s a good strategy. The failed left should be the target. 08:47  |  Raymond in DC 23/01/09   3.   #1 - Livni, did nothing for Pollard .. 08:52  |  martin knopfman 23/01/09   4.   This is what you publish Haaretz? "The Kadima party is full of .. 11:04  |  S 23/01/09   5.   Suicide Beiteinu 13:28  |  Joel A. Levitt 23/01/09   6.   Likud + Beiteinu? Israeli voters, wake up! this is a sure road to 15:32  |  S 23/01/09   7.   The price that the left has to pay 19:00  |  Galili 23/01/09   8.   What Netanyahu needs 19:58  |  Y 23/01/09

Read & React UN rights official: Gaza evokes memories of Warsaw Ghetto Responses: 300 Obama: We will aggressively seek lasting Mideast peace Responses: 212 Dutch MP behind film on radical Islam: Decision to prosecute me is political Responses: 133 Israel to approve aid for IDF officers accused of Gaza war crimes Responses: 136 Shashi Tharoor: India watched in envy as Israel attacked Gaza Responses: 74 More Headlines 23:39 Diplomats: Obama's Mideast envoy Mitchell expected next week 17:14 Assad congratulates Hamas on 'victory' over IDF in Gaza 01:05 Will uranium shortage really slow down the Iranian nuclear program? 16:21 Hamas agrees to allow Fatah forces to patrol Rafah crossing 16:34 Egyptian official: Israel achieved all of its military goals in Gaza 23:55 ANALYSIS / The IDF model that failed in Lebanon succeeded in Gaza 21:52 Israel to approve aid for IDF officers accused of Gaza war crimes 22:30 Pope lifts excommunication of bishop who denied Holocaust 13:35 British officials criticize BBC for refusing to air Gaza fundraiser 23:01 Woman found stabbed to death in her apartment in Ashkelon 23:25 Dust storm from North Africa sweeps into Israel 19:20 Man found shot to death in sand dunes south of Holon 09:09 Sarkozy orders French frigate to patrol Gaza coast 10:33 Saudi envoy to U.S.: Obama must not repeat Bush's 'sickening legacy' in Mideast 07:40 Doctors: Many Palestinians in Gaza hospitals in danger of dying from their wounds Previous Editions Select Day 23 jan 22 jan 21 jan 20 jan 19 jan 18 jan 16 jan 15 jan 14 jan 13 jan 12 jan 11 jan

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