Israeli Ministers Push for National Referendum on Gaza Pullout Plan

Israeli Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Limor Livnat expressed support for holding a national referendum on the Gaza pullout plan during a Knesset debate. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of a referendum, citing its potential to make the plan legitimate and prevent a "deep rift" in the country. Meanwhile, Sharon's associates were quoted as saying that the Prime Minister would set up a unity government with Labor and Shinui if the disengagement plan passed, but would call for new elections if it failed.

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Limor Livnat expressed support for holding a national referendum on the Gaza pullout plan.
• Netanyahu emphasized the importance of a referendum, citing its potential to make the plan legitimate and prevent a "deep rift" in the country.
• The National Religious Party (NRP) was almost certain to leave the government after Tuesday's vote, leaving Sharon with a coalition supported by only 55 members in the parliament.
• Sharon was confident of securing a solid majority on Tuesday's vote, with at least 66 out of a total of 120 Knesset members expected to vote in his favor.
• Sharon's associates said that if the disengagement plan passed, he would set up a unity government with Labor and Shinui, but if it failed, he would call for new elections.

Statistics:

• 66 Knesset members were expected to vote in favor of the disengagement plan.
• 55 members of the parliament supported Sharon's coalition.
• The NRP had almost certainly decided to leave the government after Tuesday's vote.
• Israel's parliament, the Knesset, had a total of 120 members.

Sources:

• Xinhua, Oct. 26
• Ha'aretz newspaper, quoted in Xinhua
• WorldSources, copyright 2004