Labor-Kadima Deal

Last night, Israel's Labor party, which had been poised to bring down the government, agreed to remain within the coalition in exchange for primaries in Kadima by September 25. This is the right course of action for both Labor and Kadima, which would lose badly to Likud if national elections were held with the current array of party leaders. Kadima's problem, however, is Ehud Olmert, not the party's program for the country, and it would remain competitive if led by someone like current foreign minister Tzipi Livni. If that happens, then Kadima could again turn to Labor as its coalition partner allowing Barak and Co. to retain their positions.