Israeli foreign minister, Tzipi Livni, is on track to become Israel's second female premier. The first was Golda Meir in the 1970's.

In ultra-Orthodox circles in Israel Livni's actual physical likeness remains sketchy for some of the more sheltered. This isn't due to lack of curiosity, but because the religious superstitions of the haredim prevent them from putting photographic images of women in their publications - which for the most part is their only news source.

In her push to get the backing of the ultra-Orthodox, who account for some 10-15% of the Israeli population, Livni has been prepared to make fashion concessions. When the occasion requires it, she sets aside her usual pant suits to don modest dresses and jackets with long sleeves - all this in deference to the antique sensibilities of the religious legislators with whom she occasionally meets. Some Israeli feminists understandably see this as a cop out.

The ultra-Orthodox appear to be insulated against changing cultural mores. An editor from the daily, Hamodia, indicated they wouldn't be reconsidering the ban on photos of females any time soon:

"We have always done things according to the Torah. This is the way it was since the beginning of the world, and the way it shall remain."

Despite the refusal to look at her photo, ultra-Orthodox leaders have no problem making visual contact with the actual woman when attired accordingly. The word is that they have shown a willingness to work with Livni on a political level.

Tzipi Livni has a military background. She served as a lieutenant in the Israel Defense Forces and was employed by MOSSAD between 1980 and 1984. She also worked as a lawyer for a period.

There is a rumor that she hunted terrorists in her capacity as a MOSSAD agent, but this is an exaggeration that derives in large part from a factually incorrect Times story. Another reporter, Ayala Hasson of Channel One, got the story right. According to Hasson, Livni was a low level agent. One of her primary duties when stationed in Paris was to reside in an apartment and maintain the appearance of normalcy. MOSSAD often has its agents maintain residential properties in case they are required for an operation. The job involves such non-007 activities as taking out the garbage, nodding to the neighbors and making sure the rent is paid etc.