Netanyahu calls to congratulate Mofaz

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu telephoned new Kadima leader Shaul Mofaz on Wednesday morning to congratulate him on his victory over Tzipi Livni in the party’s leadership race.

Netanyahu and Mofaz agreed that they would meet shortly to discuss matters of national interest within the framework of the prime minister’s routine consultations with the leadership of the opposition.

One Israel Radio political analyst described the call as “a noble act” by Netanyahu, given that Mofaz branded Netanyahu a “liar” a few months ago in the course of a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Interior Minister Eli Yishai, chairman of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, meanwhile, said Mofaz and Kadima should join “an emergency government” as Israel grapples with the threat of Iran attaining nuclear weapons. The “rich experience” of Mofaz –a former chief of staff and defense minister — should be at the government’s disposal, said Yishai.

Tzachi Hanegbi, a former Kadima minister, also said Wednesday that he would try to foster a dialogue between Netanyahu and Mofaz.

But Mofaz, a former Likud minister, made clear in his victory speech after midnight Tuesday that he would be seeking to unify his party with the aim of ousting Netanyahu. Kadima under Livni won 28 seats in the 2009 elections, but has been limping in the polls while the Likud, which won 27 seats, is soaring.

“Three years of Netanyahu have seen Israel stray from its path,” Mofaz said in his speech. “A strong, unified Kadima can bring it back to the correct course. Kadima will restore pride to the workforce and enable equal opportunities for all citizens.”