The Yisrael Beitenu/National Union (YBNU) faction convened this morning to discuss leaving the national unity government due to the inadequacy of government action against Yasser Arafat and his Palestinian Authority. The parties’ leaders adjourned without a decision. Yisrael Beitenu head, Minister Avigdor Lieberman, remains adamant in his demand that the party resign from the government. However, Tourism Minister Rabbi Binyamin Elon (National Union Party) is opposed to bolting the coalition at this time. Elon believes that Prime Minister Sharon is on the right path, and the faction should give him more time. The party leaders are expected to confer with central committee members and reconvene at a later date. The combined YBNU faction decided that they will not split over the issue and will resign from the government only if a unanimous decision is reached.
In an exclusive interview with Arutz Sheva Israel National Radio today, Rabbi Benny Elon said that current government policy is leading in the direction of nullification of Oslo, and the gradual collapse of the Palestinian Authority. Elon said: \"Following the Dolphinarium and Sbarro suicide bombings, Peres lead government policy by its nose, despite vociferous protests in cabinet meetings from several ministers. The protests [against giving Arafat another chance] fell on deaf ears, and therefore Minsters Ze\'evi and Lieberman together submitted their letters of resignation from their government ministries. But then policy began to change. Following the murder of Ze\'evi, something clicked, and the cabinet then declared that if the murderers of Ze\'evi are not handed over and if the PLO does not cease its support of terror, Arafat\'s PA will be declared a terrorist supporting entity. A week later, the declaration was made. Since then, I feel that the general direction of government policy has changed. We\'ll continue to monitor the situation closely.\"
In an exclusive interview with Arutz Sheva Israel National Radio today, Rabbi Benny Elon said that current government policy is leading in the direction of nullification of Oslo, and the gradual collapse of the Palestinian Authority. Elon said: \"Following the Dolphinarium and Sbarro suicide bombings, Peres lead government policy by its nose, despite vociferous protests in cabinet meetings from several ministers. The protests [against giving Arafat another chance] fell on deaf ears, and therefore Minsters Ze\'evi and Lieberman together submitted their letters of resignation from their government ministries. But then policy began to change. Following the murder of Ze\'evi, something clicked, and the cabinet then declared that if the murderers of Ze\'evi are not handed over and if the PLO does not cease its support of terror, Arafat\'s PA will be declared a terrorist supporting entity. A week later, the declaration was made. Since then, I feel that the general direction of government policy has changed. We\'ll continue to monitor the situation closely.\"