In a briefing for the diplomatic corps Monday, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said that she believes the Israeli government is on the same side as the Palestinian Authority.

"I know that some of you may be hearing something from the other side in a similar meeting with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah," Livni said. "It's a pity that I use the words 'the other side' because I believe that Israel and the legitimate Palestinian government in Ramallah are on the same side."

Livni also conceded that the Kadima government began negotiations contrary to the Road Map. "We could have waited on the first phase of the Road Map forever, waiting for the Palestinians to give an answer and to act against terrorism, but we decided to promote the peace process," she said.