By JPOST.COM STAFF
Soon after announcing his decision to quit the Likud party in favor of founding a new centrist ticket, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called his close associate Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and invited him to join the new party.
Sharon told Mofaz to "show national responsibility," join him in establishing the centrist party, and remain in the role of defense minister if Sharon heads the next government, according to Israel Radio.
Mofaz has reportedly not yet given Sharon an answer.
Mofaz, who was appointed by Sharon as defense minister, is closely associated to the prime minister and has been consistently supported by Sharon, which has contributed to the advance of his political career.