The National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu Knesset party is one major step closer to leaving the government, after its seven Knesset Members met this morning with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Sharon attempted to convince them, as he has several times in the past, not to quit the coalition - but this time his efforts seem to have failed. Sharon told the MKs that his decision to talk with PA officials even under fire stemmed from an American desire for quiet before its upcoming attack on Iraq. The MKs were not convinced.
Likud MKs also met with Sharon this morning, in an effort to understand his recent decisions to give up on seven days of quiet and to allow Arafat to leave Ramallah. Most Likud ministers are unhappy with and critical of the decisions, and are similarly worried about the political ramifications, as evidenced by National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu\'s decision to resign. Environment Minister Tzachi Hanegbi said after the meeting that he believes that the decision to cede the seven days of quiet was only a tactical one.
Likud MKs also met with Sharon this morning, in an effort to understand his recent decisions to give up on seven days of quiet and to allow Arafat to leave Ramallah. Most Likud ministers are unhappy with and critical of the decisions, and are similarly worried about the political ramifications, as evidenced by National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu\'s decision to resign. Environment Minister Tzachi Hanegbi said after the meeting that he believes that the decision to cede the seven days of quiet was only a tactical one.