Labor party leader Amram Mitzna, who has repeatedly rejected the proposal that his party join a unity government under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, has left open a small window for just such a government. Speaking on the political Politika television program, Mitzna stated that if Sharon agrees to uproot Netzarim and Kfar Darom, and is willing to begin redirecting funds previously allocated to Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza communities, he would enter into coalition negotiations. If the prime minister exhibits serious signs of a willingness to change the government's priorities, Mitzna said, he would be willing to work towards entering a national unity coalition government.
Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert, appearing on the same program, repeated that the Likud does not disqualify negotiations with any party, noting that their team even met with the far-left Meretz party. However, he explained, it is foolish for the government to say that it will withdraw from anywhere currently under its control. “We can also say ‘No’,” Olmert said.
Other coalition talks will continue today, with representatives of the anti-religious Shinui party and of the ultra-Orthodox Sephardic Shas party holding separate meetings with the Likud negotiating team.
Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert, appearing on the same program, repeated that the Likud does not disqualify negotiations with any party, noting that their team even met with the far-left Meretz party. However, he explained, it is foolish for the government to say that it will withdraw from anywhere currently under its control. “We can also say ‘No’,” Olmert said.
Other coalition talks will continue today, with representatives of the anti-religious Shinui party and of the ultra-Orthodox Sephardic Shas party holding separate meetings with the Likud negotiating team.