Birthplace: Tehran
Family: Married with four children
Experience: Current transportation minister and former defense minister and chief of staff for the Israeli army. A 36-year military veteran, Mofaz entered national politics in 2002. He is regarded as a security hawk from the right-wing of the Kadima party. He recently drew controversy for predicting that war with Iran was inevitable.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Friday, September 19, 2008 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 55 words Type of Material: Correction
Israeli elections: An article in Thursday's A section about the election of Tzipi Livni as Kadima party leader said that, if she becomes prime minister, Livni would have 90 days to assemble a government or would face a general election. If the president designates her as prime minister, that period actually would be 42 days.
Quote: "If Iran continues its nuclear arms program -- we will attack it." (June 6, 2008)
Sources: Times reporting, Associated Press
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Picking a premier
Tzipi Livni, the winner of the ruling Kadima party's primary, will not automatically succeed Ehud Olmert as Israel's prime minister. A look at the process:
* With the election of Livni as the new party leader, Olmert is expected to submit his resignation as prime minister to President Shimon Peres. The Cabinet resigns with him.
* After consulting with party leaders, Peres picks a member of parliament, probably Livni, to form a new coalition government.
* The prime minister- designate has 42 days to form a new coalition and bring it to parliament for approval.
* If no new government is formed, a general election is held within 90 days. The process of forming a government begins over again.
* Olmert remains in office as caretaker prime minister until the new government is approved by parliament.
Source: Associated Press
