Mofaz drawing surprising level of Kadima support

After winning the support yesterday of Housing and Construction Minister Ze'ev Boim and MK Ronit Tirosh in his bid to head Kadima, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz is expected to also get nods from the minister for the development of the Negev and the Galilee, Jacob Edery, and Cabinet Minister Ruhama Avraham Balila. Sources within Kadima who have spoken with Edery and Avraham Balila say they will both join the Mofaz camp. Avraham Balila is expected to convene her supporters today and then hold a press conference to announce her decision.

MK Tzachi Hanegbi is also slated to meet with activists today, in the Petah Tikva home of Levy Sheetrit, a major Mofaz supporter. He has not, however, yet made clear whose candidacy he will support. Observers believe that even if Hanegbi decides to put his weight behind Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, he will not force his choice on his supporters in the party.

The new minister for immigrant absorption, Eli Aflalo, meanwhile, has told senior party officials that he has commissioned a poll to determine whom to back.

For Mofaz, who began his campaign with only MK Zeev Elkin at his side, while Livni enjoyed wide support, including that of Finance Minister Roni Bar-On, this is all encouraging news. Livni has learned that it's not easy to obtain the support of party MKs, including "sure bets" such as Shai Hermesh. And Boim's decision to join the Mofaz camp defied the expectations of both Mofaz and Livni. At yesterday's press conference he admitted that the decision was not an easy one.

"I made a list of the traits needed in a prime minister - level-headedness, calm; military, foreign affairs and political experience; decision-making capabilities, reliability, modesty and integrity - I reached the conclusion that Shaul Mofaz was the most suitable person," Boim said.