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Abbas, Mahmoud

Sharon Secures Coalition Government Amid Gaza Disengagement Plan Controversy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon navigated a narrow vote in Parliament to establish a new coalition government, which will allow him to carry out his plans for the dismantling of Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. Although the vote was short of a majority, Sharon's government secured support from dovish legislators in opposition, offsetting the rebellion of 13 members of his own Likud Party who oppose the Gaza plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new government is a coalition of Likud, Labor, and the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism Party, which was approved by a vote of 58 to 56 in the 120-seat Parliament.
  • Sharon's government secured support from five members of the opposition Yahad Party, which is led by Yossi Beilin, who stated that they would not allow the extreme right wing to topple the disengagement plan.
  • Sharon's Likud ally, Ehud Olmert, will retain the title of vice prime minister and be in charge of the government when Sharon is abroad or incapacitated.
  • The new government has 22 ministers, with Labor getting eight cabinet seats, and United Torah Judaism agreeing to join with no cabinet posts.
  • Sharon is eager to bring in another ultra-Orthodox party, Shas, to join the government.
  • The new government is likely to have fierce internal fights over the budget and over the amount of money given to religious education.
  • The inclusion of a religious party will help Sharon with the difficult issue of evacuating the 21 settlements in Gaza and 4 in the West Bank.

Statistics:

  • 61 votes were needed for a majority in the 120-seat Parliament.
  • The vote was 58 to 56 in favor of the government, with six abstentions.
  • Sharon's government has a solid majority of 66 seats, counting Likud rebels.
  • The government will have to rely on support from members of the opposition to pass the state budget by the end of March.
  • 21 settlements in Gaza and 4 in the West Bank will be dismantled as part of Sharon's Gaza disengagement plan.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Sharon Secures Coalition Government Amid Gaza Disengagement Plan Controversy"
  • The New York Times, "Ariel Sharon on Gaza Disengagement Plan"
  • The Jerusalem Post, "Sharon forms new coalition, Likud rebels vote with government"
  • Ynet News, "Shas to join coalition, Labor gets 8 ministers"

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