Israel’s foreign minister reportedly is preparing to challenge Ehud Olmert for top office. Ma’ariv reported Thursday that Tzipi Livni, a senior member of the prime minister’s Kadima Party, has hired a political campaign adviser. Livni’s office had no immediate comment on the report. Olmert, whose national approval ratings are at an all-time low, suffered a further blow this week when a commission of inquiry into last year’s Lebanon war said it would discuss his responsibility for military failings in an interim report expected next month. Israeli media have quoted Kadima sources saying that a succession frenzy already has gripped the ruling party. Along with Livni, Olmert faces potential challenges from fellow Kadima members Shimon Peres, Avi Dichter and Shaul Mofaz, all of whom are in his Cabinet.
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