Buckling under pressure, Netanyahu seeks Livni help

Less than a year after taking office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the centrist opposition leader Tzipi Livni to join his cabinet.

Buckling under international pressure, Netanyahu put forth his offer after briefing Livni in Tel Aviv on the current security and diplomatic issues on Thursday.

Since taking office in March, the hawkish Israeli premier has been severely criticized over a number of issues, including his stance on the settlement constructions.

His refusal to put a complete halt to settlement construction on occupied Palestinian land, jeopardized Israel's relations with its closest ally the United States.

The offer coincided with a statement released by Netanyahu's office, which claims that Israel is under mounting national and international pressure over its security.

The proposal, however, falls short of giving the opposition leader any portfolio. Livni said she will consider the offer, but added that the final decision will be made by her Kadima party.

She has asked for more meetings with Netanyahu before making a decision.

Meanwhile, senior Kadima front-bench legislator Shaul Mofaz, who unsuccessfully challenged Livni last year for the party leadership, told reporters on Thursday that "Kadima is falling apart," adding that a new leadership primary needed to be held.

"Kadima is falling apart. I recommended to the Kadima chair how to maintain unity in Kadima," Mofaz said.

"I very much hope that for the first time she [Livni] listens to others. I hope this way we can have a leadership that knows how to make the right decisions and lead Kadima to where it has to be."