Jerusalem ? Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Monday received formal approval to form a new Israeli government, starting the clock on a 42-day period for putting together a new team and resuming Mideast peace negotiations.

Livni, 50, once an agent of the Mossad spy agency, has pledged to pursue peace with the Palestinians and Syria, following up negotiations started by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. She would be Israel’s first female premier since 1974.

Even before President Shimon Peres gave her the official title of prime minister-designate on Monday evening, Livni was already conducting intensive talks with party leaders over their terms to join a coalition.