Late last night, the Likud Party Central Committee overwhelmingly adopted a resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian State. Prime Minister Sharon attempted to have the vote on the resolution postponed but his motion, voted on by secret ballot, was defeated by a 59%-41% majority. Despite the embarrassment to the Sharon camp the prime minister said that he would accept the vote and continue leading the nation ‘business as usual.’
Political analysts say that the passing of the resolution is equivalent to a motion of ‘no-confidence’ for the prime minister, and is a victory for former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Last night Netanyahu said that he is totally against the establishment of a Palestinian state. He also reiterated his belief that Yasser Arafat should be deported from Israel for his involvement in terrorist activity.
Last night Sharon began his remarks by saying \"I did not shake Arafat\'s hand,\" referring to Netanyahu shaking Arafat’s hand following the signing of the Wye River Accord in 1998. Sharon also reminded the committee that Netanyahu had participated in the 1991 Madrid regional peace conference, which included the PLO.
Political analysts say that the passing of the resolution is equivalent to a motion of ‘no-confidence’ for the prime minister, and is a victory for former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Last night Netanyahu said that he is totally against the establishment of a Palestinian state. He also reiterated his belief that Yasser Arafat should be deported from Israel for his involvement in terrorist activity.
Last night Sharon began his remarks by saying \"I did not shake Arafat\'s hand,\" referring to Netanyahu shaking Arafat’s hand following the signing of the Wye River Accord in 1998. Sharon also reminded the committee that Netanyahu had participated in the 1991 Madrid regional peace conference, which included the PLO.