Israeli President Shimon Peres (L) meets Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu in his residence in Jerusalem, February 20, 2009. Netanyahu was asked to lead a new coalition government as the country's next prime minister. (UPI Photo/Moshe Milner/GPO) | License Photo

Israeli President Shimon Peres (R) and Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu speak at a press conference in Jerusalem, February 20, 2009. Netanyahu was asked to lead a new coalition government as the country's next prime minister. (UPI Photo/Moshe Milner/GPO) | License Photo

Israel's President Shimon Peres meets leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party Avigdor Lieberman (not pictured) in Jerusalem February 19, 2009. Lieberman recommended to President Shimon Peres that he tap opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu to try to form a government, on condition the right-wing Likud chief pursued a broad coalition. (UPI Photo/Ronen Zvulun/Pool) | License Photo

JERUSALEM, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres has tapped Likud Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu to form the country's next government, the president's office said Friday.

Peres met separately with Netanyahu and Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni, urging both to form a broad national unity government, The Jerusalem Post reported.


Netanyahu, who was prime minister in the 1990s, said he understands the need for a unity government, reportedly telling Peres, "Immediately after you task me with forming the coalition, I will invite Kadima for negotiations."

Livni was critical of the arrangement, saying, "Whoever is willing to forsake all his values in order to sit in the coalition is unworthy to sit in that spot. There is a coalition here based on a lack of political vision, a coalition that will not allow me to exercise the way of Kadima."

Sixty-five members of the 120-seat Knesset, all from right-wing and religious factions, recommended to Peres that he appoint Netanyahu to form the coalition, Ynetnews.com reported. Livni had the support of her party while left-wing and Arab parties declined to offer a recommendation.

On Thursday, Livni told Haaretz she wouldn't join a government headed by Netanyahu and included Shas, Habayit Hayehudi and National Union parties but would be willing to consider a Likud-Kadima-Yisrael Beiteinu coalition.

Israeli elections were conducted about 10 days ago.