Tzipi Livni called one of world's 150 most powerful women

Kadima head sees her inclusion as counterpoint to recent exclusion of women in public view

MK Tzipi Livni, leader of the opposition and head of Kadima, has been included in Newsweek’s list of the 150 most powerful women in the world. She is the only Israeli on the list, which includes female politicians, media figures, dissidents and entertainers from around the world.

“I am glad that Israel is represented on this distinguished list in the positive context of strong women at a time when Israel is mentioned [in the media] in the context of unacceptable discrimination against women,” Livni wrote on her Facebook page, referring to the recent tension in Israeli society regarding women’s issues and the ultra-Orthodox.

The Newsweek article describes Livni as “a former lawyer known for her honesty and integrity,” the “leader of the largest political party” in Kadima and “an active advocate for women’s and gay rights.”

Fifty-two of the women on Newsweek’s list are US citizens. Six Iranian women made it on the list.