Kadima Calls Faction Meeting Amid Rumors of a Split in the Party

The Kadima Party has asked all its Knesset Members and assistants to attend a faction meeting scheduled for today at 3 PM. "With rumors of an impending split in the party next week no matter who wins, Opposition leader Tzipi Livni is looking to keep her ship together," said a source in the Knesset.

Dalia Itzik, Kadima's Faction Chairwoman and the last faction member yet to announce who she will support in the upcoming primary between Livni and Shaul Mofaz, has been linked to discussions with Mofaz's campaign over the weekend. Last week, Kadima's faction meeting was cancelled because of tensions between the two camps, but with Itzik expected to declare her support today at the faction meeting, Mofaz appears to be gaining in his challenge against the incumbent.

Itzik's announcement of support for Mofaz would be a particularly stinging blow for Livni, as Itzik has reportedly been a longtime political confidante and friend of the Opposition leader.