Tzipi Livni

Tzipi (Tzipora) Livni was born in Tel Aviv to parents who were former members of the Irgun, a pre-state, right-wing paramilitary organization. She served as a lieutenant in the IDF and later worked for the Mossad.

A graduate of Bar-Ilan University’s Faculty of Law, Livni practiced public and commercial law for 10 years before entering politics in 1996 as a member of the Likud Party.

In 1999 she became a Knesset member for the first time on the Likud Party ticket. When Ariel Sharon became prime minister in July 2001, Livni was named Minister of Regional Cooperation. She went on to hold various Cabinet posts, including Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Minister of Immigrant Absorption; and Minister of Housing and Construction. In 2005, she was given the Justice Ministry portfolio.

In late 2005, Livni joined Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert in their move from Likud to the newly formed centrist Kadima Party, which she helped create. In May 2006, Livni was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, serving in that capacity until March 2009. She was only the second woman in Israeli history (along with Golda Meir) to have held the foreign ministry portfolio. She took over as head of Kadima in 2008, after a leadership race triggered by Olmert's resignation over corruption charges.

Despite Kadima narrowly winning the most Knesset seats in the 2009 general elections, Livni was unable to form a coalition government, paving the way for the establishment of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud-led government. Livni assumed the role as head of the opposition, and earned both praise and criticism for refusing to join the Netanyahu government.

Throughout her tenure as opposition leader, Livni has been outspoken in her criticisms of the Netanyahu government’s policies regarding final status talks with the Palestinians. Initially opposed to a two-state solution with the Palestinians early in her political career, Livni is now a champion of that policy. However, she has voiced her support over the government’s handling of the Iranian nuclear weapon issue.

Latest Stories on Tzipi Livni

Livni: Kadima will collapse if Mofaz leads party

In interview with Haaretz, Livni says that if If chosen to lead Kadima again, she would not appoint Mofaz as her number 2 this time, nor would she quit politics if she loses the leadership.

by Gidi Weitz 0 comments

News in Brief 0 comments

Netanyahu frets over growing strength of right in Likud

Benjamin Netanyahu poised to take Likud leadership for fifth time, with Moshe Feiglin his lone rival.

by Yossi Verter 9 comments

Kadima split as it prepares for Livni-Mofaz showdown

Supporters of MK Shaul Mofaz meet for first time to discuss strategy to wrest leadership of Kadima from chairwoman MK Tzipi Livni in upcoming primary.

by Ophir Bar-Zohar 9 comments

View All Latest Opinion on Tzipi Livni

Does Israel have no alternative to Netanyahu?

Although there is criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu's failures on the issues of peace and his frightening plans against Iran, there is no potential replacement in view. He is building himself up as the one and only leader of the people.

by Yoel Marcus 13 comments

The 'manana' approach to Iran

Dagan is said to have done a lot of great things, but he did not fulfill the mission he was given by Ariel Sharon a decade ago; he did not foil Iran's nuclear plans.

by Ari Shavit 3 comments

Israel needs a new Menachem Begin

As far back as 1956, Begin suggested that the Knesset 'not legislate any law that limits freedom of expression, orally or in writing.' It's horrifying to realize that after more than 50 years, even this self-evident principle of democracy is now held in doubt by the Knesset.

by Akiva Eldar 0 comments

Social protest hurting opposition, not Netanyahu

Israel is the land of the comebacks and Livni might very well stage one. But in Kadima they are not waiting; they are sharpening their knives.

by Ari Shavit 6 comments

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