The Yisrael B'Aliyah party, founded by former refusenik Natan Sharansky, merged with the Likud this afternoon, forming a 40-member Knesset faction. The signing of the agreement was held up for a short time this afternoon when last-minute snags arose in the negotiations between the parties - leading to the cancellation of an Arutz-7 interview with Yisrael B'Aliyah MK, and former Absorption Minister, Yuli Edelstein - but these were worked out shortly afterwards. Sharansky, who resigned his Knesset seat as a result of the party's dismal showing in the election - only 2 Knesset seats - will become Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Jerusalem in the new government.
Prime Minister Sharon, speaking at a press conference in his office today, said that Yisrael B'Aliyah had asked for nothing, "but I requested that Natan Sharansky take upon himself the ministerial position responsible for Jerusalem affairs and the Jewish people in the Diaspora." Sharon also said that Communications Minister Ruby Rivlin is his choice for the next Speaker of the Knesset.
In other political news, President Moshe Katzav met with Labor Party leader Amram Mitzna today, in an attempt to convince him to join a unity government headed by Ariel Sharon. Mitzna refused the entreaty, saying that he is not motivated by the good of his party, but rather the good of the country. Labor Party leadership will convene this evening to discuss the matter; sentiment is running high on both sides of the question. Katzav also asked Shinui Party leader Tommy Lapid to reconsider his refusal to sit in the same government as Shas; Lapid refused.
Prime Minister Sharon, speaking at a press conference in his office today, said that Yisrael B'Aliyah had asked for nothing, "but I requested that Natan Sharansky take upon himself the ministerial position responsible for Jerusalem affairs and the Jewish people in the Diaspora." Sharon also said that Communications Minister Ruby Rivlin is his choice for the next Speaker of the Knesset.
In other political news, President Moshe Katzav met with Labor Party leader Amram Mitzna today, in an attempt to convince him to join a unity government headed by Ariel Sharon. Mitzna refused the entreaty, saying that he is not motivated by the good of his party, but rather the good of the country. Labor Party leadership will convene this evening to discuss the matter; sentiment is running high on both sides of the question. Katzav also asked Shinui Party leader Tommy Lapid to reconsider his refusal to sit in the same government as Shas; Lapid refused.