Former Kadima chairwoman says next elections vital, will ´determine whether Israel will be a liberal country or a radical, isolated one´

Former Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni urged voters to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu´s government, saying that the coming elections "are vital to Israel´s character in the coming years."

In her first official statement as a former Knesset member, Livni said Wednesday that "These early elections are a good thing. They will determine whether Israel will be a liberal, progressive and leading country; or a radical, haredi and isolated country.

"This is a fight for Israel´s very nature and we have to keep fighting for it, she said."

The former Kadima chair lashed out at Netanyahu further, saying that "For three years Netanyahu´s Coalition has isolated Israel and has created a polarized society.

"Things are unbearable. It´s time to change this Coalition. We won´t give up on this country. I will keep fighting for it and the Coalition must be replaced," she said. Livni´s statement followed recent reports that members of the Coalition have been able to come to an agreement about an election date – September 4.

The Knesset is set to vote on several dissolution motions on Monday. Speaker Reuven Rivlin said that the bills are likely to pass their votes and that the House may end its term as early as next week. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 05/03/12)