Kadima

Kadima is an Israeli political party. The party was formed in 2005 by Ariel Sharon after he broke away from the Likud party.Jewish Virtual Library: Kadima Party

Israel held a general election in 2009 when Kadima leader Tzipi Livni failed to form a new government after the departure of Ehud Olmert. After the final vote count it was announced on February 12, 2009, that Livini won the vote count. However, both Livini and her opponent, Benjamin Netanyahu, failed to get the majority needed to govern. Prime Minister Shimon Peres chose Netanyahu for president as he believed he had a better chance of forming a coalition. Netanyahu has until April 3, 2009 to form a coalition.

The Kadima party supports the position that Israel's Jewish majority have a historic right to the whole of Israel, however they are also willing to make territorial concessions to the Palestinians. The establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state is a key aim of Kadima.Jewish Virtual Library: Kadima Party Platform (2006)

Ehud Olmert was forced to resign as leader of the party after he was implicated in a bribery scandal involving American businessman Morris Talansky. He agreed to step down immediately after his successor was named. Tzipi Livni defeated rival Shaul Mofaz in the election that was held to replace Olmert by a decisive 10 point margin.Al Jazeera: Livni 'wins' Kadima leadership vote(September 17, 2008)

"His clear intention is to proceed with a political process with the Palestinians. The current composition of the Likud meant paralysis. He needs space and freedom and support to achieve what he wants to do."—Unnamed advisor discussing Sharon's motivation for starting KadimaJewish Virtual Library: Kadima Party