Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon visited the Western Wall this afternoon, after a visit to the gravesite of his late wife Lily, who passed away last year. He was greeted at the Wall by Likud Knesset Members, Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, and a large crowd of well-wishers. He said there again that he would establish a national-unity government, “a critical need for the people at this juncture.” Sharon has already appointed a coalition-forming team, comprised of former Olmert, Minister Ya’akov Ne’eman, and Likud Secretary-General Uri Shani, with whom he met this afternoon. Olmert doesn’t rule out receiving the position of Minister of Jerusalem Affairs.
One appointment has already been announced for the new government: Gideon Sa’ar, who served as Cabinet Secretary in the waning days of the Netanyahu government, will assume this position for the Sharon government.
Ariel Sharon will send emissaries to several Arab countries today, reassuring them that his intentions are peaceful. The Americans are also expected to ask the Arab leaders to judge Sharon by his new government’s actions and not according to his past.
One appointment has already been announced for the new government: Gideon Sa’ar, who served as Cabinet Secretary in the waning days of the Netanyahu government, will assume this position for the Sharon government.
Ariel Sharon will send emissaries to several Arab countries today, reassuring them that his intentions are peaceful. The Americans are also expected to ask the Arab leaders to judge Sharon by his new government’s actions and not according to his past.