Peres has met representatives of the four largest parties -- Kadima, Labour, Likud and Shas -- and will hold talks with the remaining nine factions on Monday.

Peres is expected to nominate leader to form the next government on Monday. Media reports speculate that new Kadima head Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is the top choice.

"(Peres) is meeting with many factions today, and something might change, so I can't say for sure he will choose Tzipi Livni, but that's how it's looking," Peres spokeswoman Ayelet Frish told Army Radio.


Late on Sunday, Livni met with Defence Minister Ehud Barak, who is head of Labour, the second largest parliamentary bloc, to negotiate a possible partnership.

"It was a good, businesslike meeting," Barak said after the talks, adding the two would meet again.

Agencies