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Political parties

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Faces Backlash from Own Party Members

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon faced a political crisis within his own Likud Party last night as he battled against far-right members who opposed his plans to withdraw troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip. Sharon's supporters frantically canvassed the party's central committee to block a snap resolution that would call for an end to attempts to bring the Labour Party into the ruling coalition. The Prime Minister's camp maintained that it would not be bound by the convention's decision, but the central committee's influence over election candidates could lead to the deselection of Knesset members who opposed Sharon's plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Likud Party's central committee, known for its right-wing views, is planning to hold a snap resolution opposing the Gaza disengagement plan, which has been endorsed by US President George Bush.
  • If the resolution passes, individual Knesset members could face a choice between siding with Sharon and risking deselection or opposing him, potentially leading to a general election and loss of their seats.
  • Opinion polls show that a majority of Israelis support Sharon's disengagement plan, but the Likud Party's mainstream support stems from his popularity rather than a consensus on the issue.
  • The construction of new housing units in the West Bank, including 1000 houses for Jewish settlers, has been announced in an attempt to appease right-wing members of the Likud Party.
  • Israel denies that this construction violates the promise to freeze building in the occupied territories, stating that the plans were thought up long ago and will be built on land already earmarked for settlement.

Statistics:

  • 1.3 million Palestinians currently reside in the Gaza Strip.
  • 1000 houses for Jewish settlers are to be built in the West Bank.
  • 800 houses are planned in two of the largest Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
  • 2900-strong Likud Party central committee will convene to discuss the resolution opposing the Gaza disengagement plan.
  • The Likud Party has a right-wing membership with many passionate supporters of the belief that the entire biblical land of Israel should be seized and settled by Jews.

Sources:

  • "Sharon Faces Backlash from Own Party Members" by Ed O'Loughlin, Jerusalem.
  • No specific source date provided, but the article is likely from 2004 or 2005 based on the context.

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