Contrary to what was thought as late as this morning, the National Union and the Likud were apparently able to find a way to circumnavigate the points of disagreement between them, paving the way for the National Union to enter the coalition government. The main point of contention had been the matter of Ariel Sharon's support for a Palestinian state, but it was apparently decided that since the matter is not yet "relevant," the National Union may reserve the right to have the matter reviewed and decided by the government if and when the time comes.
Furthermore, regarding the National Union's demand that a constitutional court be formed, it was decided that a committee headed by Atty. Yaakov Ne'eman will be established to look into it.
If the agreement works out, National Union leader Avigdor Lieberman will be Transportation Minister, and Benny Elon - leader of the party's Moledet faction - will either return to the Tourism Ministry or take over the Absorption Ministry. It is assumed that Tekumah-faction leader Tzvi Hendel will receive the chairmanship of a Knesset committee. Elon originally became Tourism Minister following the assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi in October 2001, and held that position until his party left the government in March 2002. He frequently expressed his satisfaction, during that period, at being in the position to continue the work of Calev ben Yefuneh and Yehoshua bin Nun, the Biblical scouts sent by Moses who in fact brought back to the people positive appraisals of the Land of Israel.
Furthermore, regarding the National Union's demand that a constitutional court be formed, it was decided that a committee headed by Atty. Yaakov Ne'eman will be established to look into it.
If the agreement works out, National Union leader Avigdor Lieberman will be Transportation Minister, and Benny Elon - leader of the party's Moledet faction - will either return to the Tourism Ministry or take over the Absorption Ministry. It is assumed that Tekumah-faction leader Tzvi Hendel will receive the chairmanship of a Knesset committee. Elon originally became Tourism Minister following the assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi in October 2001, and held that position until his party left the government in March 2002. He frequently expressed his satisfaction, during that period, at being in the position to continue the work of Calev ben Yefuneh and Yehoshua bin Nun, the Biblical scouts sent by Moses who in fact brought back to the people positive appraisals of the Land of Israel.