The Likud fears that it will lose some support in the upcoming voter surveys as a result of the ongoing investigation into possible vote-buying in the party. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said last night, "I will personally make sure that anyone found to be involved in such corruption will be thrown out of the party, no matter who he is." He denied that his son Omri, who was elected to the 27th slot on the Likud list of Knesset candidates, had anything to do with anything illegal. In any event, the Prime Minister's declaration does not appear to have any practical significance.
Prime Minister Sharon instructed Justice Minister Meir Sheetrit yesterday to speed up work on proposed legislative changes to improve the system of primaries in effect in Israel. Sheetrit originally was given 30 days to prepare the new plan, but has now been asked to have it ready within a week or two. One option under consideration is to obligate all parties over a certain size - 10 MKs, or possibly even 5 - to choose its candidates in public primaries.
Prime Minister Sharon instructed Justice Minister Meir Sheetrit yesterday to speed up work on proposed legislative changes to improve the system of primaries in effect in Israel. Sheetrit originally was given 30 days to prepare the new plan, but has now been asked to have it ready within a week or two. One option under consideration is to obligate all parties over a certain size - 10 MKs, or possibly even 5 - to choose its candidates in public primaries.