Likud MK Yuli Edelstein said this morning that twelve Likud MKs had signed a "threatening" letter addressed to Prime Minister Sharon. Edelstein said that others, such as David Levy, Ruby Rivlin and Cabinet ministers, "did not sign, but identify with its message." The letter makes clear that Sharon must present his diplomatic plans to the Likud party organs before he makes any final decisions or presents it to President Bush. It also states that should Sharon try to form a government with the Labor Party in order to implement the unilateral withdrawal, the signatories would not support such a move in the Knesset.
Tourism Minister Benny Elon, speaking with Arutz-7 today, was asked if he was planning to quit the government before Sharon leaves for the U.S. to present the withdrawal plan. Elon expressed frustration at the "narrow concerns of a small portion of the right-wing which is concerned only with the question of whether a few MKs are leaving the government or not - instead of taking an in-depth look at the wisdom of such a move." He explained that he has said many times that he will quit the government "the moment it makes a decision to remove even one community in Yesha, but at the moment, such a thing does not appear likely."
Asked whether Sharon's trip might present a fait-accompli to the Cabinet, Elon said that he was elected to serve the interests of those who are trying to prevent a withdrawal, and "I must constantly weigh where I can do this best - from within or from without."
Regarding Prime Minister Sharon's actions, Elon opined: "I thought until now that Sharon was a better politician, but I see that he is acting very unprofessionally. Sharon said that he has presented this withdrawal plan not because of the police investigation against him, but despite it - and we can see that he is acting under pressure. First he throws out this idea of a unilateral withdrawal, then he talks about a referendum, and in general is not acting in cooperation with his government. It appears that his term in office is nearing its end."
Tourism Minister Benny Elon, speaking with Arutz-7 today, was asked if he was planning to quit the government before Sharon leaves for the U.S. to present the withdrawal plan. Elon expressed frustration at the "narrow concerns of a small portion of the right-wing which is concerned only with the question of whether a few MKs are leaving the government or not - instead of taking an in-depth look at the wisdom of such a move." He explained that he has said many times that he will quit the government "the moment it makes a decision to remove even one community in Yesha, but at the moment, such a thing does not appear likely."
Asked whether Sharon's trip might present a fait-accompli to the Cabinet, Elon said that he was elected to serve the interests of those who are trying to prevent a withdrawal, and "I must constantly weigh where I can do this best - from within or from without."
Regarding Prime Minister Sharon's actions, Elon opined: "I thought until now that Sharon was a better politician, but I see that he is acting very unprofessionally. Sharon said that he has presented this withdrawal plan not because of the police investigation against him, but despite it - and we can see that he is acting under pressure. First he throws out this idea of a unilateral withdrawal, then he talks about a referendum, and in general is not acting in cooperation with his government. It appears that his term in office is nearing its end."