Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni could become Israel's second female prime minister if her centrist Kadima party wins Tuesday's parliamentary election.
Ms. Livni already is the most powerful woman in Israel, having served as foreign minister since 2006 and as Israel's lead negotiator in peace talks with the Palestinians.
The 50-year-old Kadima leader has earned a public reputation as "Mrs. Clean," because she has not been touched by corruption scandals involving her colleagues.
Ms. Livni helped approve Israel's recent offensive against Hamas militants who control the Gaza Strip. She said Israel must weaken Hamas to deter future rocket attacks by Gaza militants.
Ms. Livni said Israel and its main ally, the United States, share a common interest in working toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Before entering politics, she worked as an Israeli spy and at a private law firm. Livni's critics say she lacks experience in security issues.
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