Can Saudi Arabia save Tzipi Livni?

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With Turkey-brokered talks involving Syria and the Palestinians slowing, discouraged Israeli negotiators are instead turning a hopeful eye to the recently resuscitated 2002 Saudi plan for peace in the Middle East.

At the core of the agreement is a trade: In exchange for a Palestinian state, Israel would gain normal relations with 22 Arab countries, all of which would recognize Israel's legitimacy. (The Arab League has long endorsed the deal, giving an official stamp of approval in 2007.) The accord also calls for Israel to give up the occupied territories won in the 1967 war -- the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem.

Renewed interest in the proposal comes at a pivotal juncture in Israeli politics. Would-be Prime Minister Tzipi Livni, still wooing potential coalition partners, could make a tremendous power play with this deal and her supporters seem to be paving the way for her to do just that. Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak had some encouraging words for Israeli Army radio:

There is definitely room to introduce a comprehensive Israeli plan to counter the Saudi plan that would be the basis for a discussion on overall regional peace."

On all fronts, Livni, is having a good day. President Shimon Peres granted her an extension, giving her two more weeks to gather the support necessary to take the PM spot.

However, potential pitfalls loom. The ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, which could bring the Kadima Party leader the coalition seats she needs, continues to withhold its support. Shas insists that Livni promise not to negotiate or relinquish any piece of Jerusalem.

Of course, any such promise will provoke a firestorm in the Arab world, so she's in a bit of a bind here. But if the revived Saudi peace gambit is enough to somehow put the peace-minded Livni in the prime minister's office, it's a start.