Lindenstrauss won't run with Livni
Former state comptroller rejects offer to join former Kadima chairwoman's new party, says 'I have decided I have no interest in entering politics.' Former Haifa Mayor Mitzna to announce decision to join Livni
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Lindenstrauss, who was offered the No. 2 spot on Hatnua's Knesset list, said that "after weighing heavily on the subject with friends and family, I have decided that I have no interest in getting into political life and being recognized with any political camp."
Self impossed 'cooling-off' period. Lindenstrauss. (Photo: Gil Yonatan)
Assessments are that after the negotiations between the two, Lindenstrauss's associates warned him that although the role of Comptroller does not legally demand a "cooling-off" period before entering political life, it is only right for him - as the former head of such a high-ranking position - to implement the norm in his case.
Meanwhile, former Labor Chairman and Haifa Mayor Amram Mitzna accepted Livni's offer and decided to gladly join the party's ranks. He is expected to hold a press conference on Sunday announcing his support for Livni.
Young blood
Another party newcomer is Merav Cohen, a social activist and Jerusalem city council member. Cohen, founded the Hitorerut ("awakening") movement, which attempted to keep a young and working population in Jerusalem, waged city wide social campaigns and headed a local entrepreneurship with the attempt to foster the economy and community life.
Cohen was also a leading figure in Jerusalem's social protest in the summer of 2011.
"Merav Cohen's experience and achievements in the public arena during the last few years proves she is a hard worker who fights for what she believes all the while brining results," Livni said. "I am sure she will be a wonderful addition to our team," she added.
Until the week's end Livni will attempt to bring about a division in Kadima which will allow her to enlist seven dissident Knesset members to her new party. Meanwhile, she is holding negotiations with Kadima MK Meir Sheetrit, who said he would decide in upcoming days whether to join the party or not.
The desire to enlist dissident Knesset members specifically from Kadima stems from Israeli campaign financing laws which favors incumbents.
Yuval Karni, Tova Tzimuki and Itamar Eichner contributed to this report
