BICOM

Knesset Member and former Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni is expected to officially resign from the Knesset today. Livni will reportedly tender her resignation to Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin at noon.

Livni’s loss in the Kadima primaries in May to Shaul Mofaz, who won 62% of the votes, immediately sparked speculations regarding her future in politics. Since then, Livni has remained mum regarding her plans. However, as the Knesset’s summer session began yesterday, Livni decided to announce her decision.

According to reports this morning, Livni’s associates insist that she intended to remain publicly and politically active, albeit outside the Knesset.

Livni’s announcement comes amid growing speculations that Israel will see early elections by the autumn. Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin opened the Knesset’s summer session yesterday by saying this is probably the last session of the current Knesset. “The whole country, opposition and coalition, agree that it would be best if the Knesset went to elections so the next Knesset can make difficult decisions,” he explained. “The only argument is when the vote will take place.” In the past Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would not move for early elections, but was recently quoted as saying the next elections may be held as soon as 4 September.

In other news related to elections, activists of the Yesh Atid (There’s a Future) party of Yair Lapid are scheduled to hold their first meeting this evening, according to Army Radio. Around 270 activists are scheduled to attend the meeting, where Lapid is expected to discuss his position on military and national volunteer service for everyone.