Sharon's new party is called Kadima - Hebrew for "Forward"

Ariel Sharon´s new party is called "Forward". The new, centrist party was registered Thursday, with supporters of the Israeli prime minister saying it already had 144 members. Earlier, Sharon aides had opted for the temporary name National Responsibility.

"Kadima" is a term many Israelis associate with the battle-charge of army officers -- suggesting Sharon plans to continue highlighting his own military pedigree on the campaign trail ahead of early elections in March. Sharon quit the ruling Likud Party on Monday, saying ideological infighting was preventing him from pursuing peace with the Palestinians. Several senior Likud members have defected to join Kadima.