Tzipi Livni will be Israel's negotiator in talks with Palestine

Former foreign minister Tzipi Livni will be Israel's negotiator in talks with the Palestinians in the emerging coalition government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his bloc said on Tuesday. Livni, who heads the centrist HaTnuah party, would serve as justice minister and "negotiator with the Palestinians to reach an agreement that would end the conflict," Netanyahu's Likud-Beitenu alliance said in a statement.
 
HaTnuah, which campaigned for renewal of peace talks with the Palestinians, is the first party to join Netanyahu's new coalition.
 
After the government comes into place, "a ministerial team for the peace process with the Palestinians will be formed headed by the prime minister and participated by the justice minister, defense minister and foreign minister," the coalition agreement read.
 
"The prime minister and justice minister will upon the formation of the new government act to renew the diplomatic process."
 
If Israel and the Palestinians reach a deal, it would be brought before the government and parliament for a vote, "and if necessary -- a referendum," the agreement stated.
 
Livni would also closely coordinate her actions with Netanyahu and "regularly report all the developments," with a representative of the premier attending all meetings and negotiations.
 
Peace talks have been stalled since September 2010, with Palestinians demanding Israel stop building settlements in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem before a resumption of negotiations, and Israel refused.
 
Livni has previously served as justice and foreign minister.