Is a solution to the coalition crisis in the works? Arutz-7's Knesset correspondent Haggai Seri reports that some Labor party seniors - some say Shimon Peres is heavily involved - have been toiling since last night to formulate the compromise solution that will enable Labor to remain in the government. Labor decided yesterday to vote against the budget tomorrow, and Prime Minister Sharon then said that a nay vote of this nature would lead to their automatic firing from the government.
The efforts to find a compromise are supported by the Prime Minister, who has apparently reached the conclusion that a narrow right-wing government would not be realistic or beneficial at this time. He reportedly told his aides that he is not enamored with the idea of having to depend on the mercies of the right-wing and religious parties.
The compromise being worked on involves changes to the budget between tomorrow's first-reading vote and the final vote later on. Most political analysts give the compromise little chance of success, however. Even if Labor votes against, the budget is expected to pass tomorrow in any event - although it will not be as easy as originally thought, as at least two MKs of Yisrael B'Aliyah are preparing to abstain. Oded Tira, President of the Industrialists Association, called this morning for Labor to vote in favor of the budget and remain in the government. He warned that a budget crisis could put Israel's economy into enter a period of total chaos.
Meanwhile, Labor ministers are busy planning their resignations, and have decided that a dramatic submission of their resignations right before tomorrow's vote, in front of TV cameras, would best suit their purposes.
Former Finance Minister Avraham Shochat of Labor has a unique opinion. He says that his party must leave the government - but must also vote in favor of the budget. He feels that the international ramifications of Israel not having a budget are too serious to ignore. Shochat said he asked party whip Effie Oshaya for permission to abstain, but added that he would accept any decision. Oshaya has already said that it would not be proper for one party member to appear as if he has more national responsibility than his colleagues.
In the meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharon has asked former IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Sha'ul Mofaz to replace Ben-Eliezer as Defense Minister, if in fact Labor should leave the coalition. Mofaz is apparently willing, though some analysts are wary of a Defense Minister who left his post as top army general only eleven weeks ago.
The efforts to find a compromise are supported by the Prime Minister, who has apparently reached the conclusion that a narrow right-wing government would not be realistic or beneficial at this time. He reportedly told his aides that he is not enamored with the idea of having to depend on the mercies of the right-wing and religious parties.
The compromise being worked on involves changes to the budget between tomorrow's first-reading vote and the final vote later on. Most political analysts give the compromise little chance of success, however. Even if Labor votes against, the budget is expected to pass tomorrow in any event - although it will not be as easy as originally thought, as at least two MKs of Yisrael B'Aliyah are preparing to abstain. Oded Tira, President of the Industrialists Association, called this morning for Labor to vote in favor of the budget and remain in the government. He warned that a budget crisis could put Israel's economy into enter a period of total chaos.
Meanwhile, Labor ministers are busy planning their resignations, and have decided that a dramatic submission of their resignations right before tomorrow's vote, in front of TV cameras, would best suit their purposes.
Former Finance Minister Avraham Shochat of Labor has a unique opinion. He says that his party must leave the government - but must also vote in favor of the budget. He feels that the international ramifications of Israel not having a budget are too serious to ignore. Shochat said he asked party whip Effie Oshaya for permission to abstain, but added that he would accept any decision. Oshaya has already said that it would not be proper for one party member to appear as if he has more national responsibility than his colleagues.
In the meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharon has asked former IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Sha'ul Mofaz to replace Ben-Eliezer as Defense Minister, if in fact Labor should leave the coalition. Mofaz is apparently willing, though some analysts are wary of a Defense Minister who left his post as top army general only eleven weeks ago.