Israeli President Shimon Peres gave Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni Monday a two-week extension to the period allocated to her to form a new government to replace that headed by outgoing Premier Ehud Olmert, reported dpa.
Livni met with Peres for an hour and 15 minutes Monday morning, and briefed him on her attempts to form a "stable and long-term" government in the initial 28-day period granted her, a statement issued by Peres' office said.
Peres tapped Livni to form a new coalition on September 22, the day after Olmert quit the premiership because of his alleged involvement in corruption scandals.
Members of the ruling Kadima party elected Livni as party leader in place of Olmert on September 17.
Under Israeli law, Livni was given 28 days in which to form a government, but also had the option, which she exercised Monday, of asking for a 14-day extension.
Although Livni said she intended forming a new government as soon as possible, she has so far been unable to sign agreements with enough faction to set up a coalition commanding the support of at least 61 legislators in the 120 seat-Knesset. dpa jab emc