On the assumption that a national unity government will in fact arise - an assumption that had seemed fairly safe until today - the future member-parties are anxiously awaiting the beginning of the talks that will determine what ministerial portfolios they will receive. The NRP continues to demand Education and Communications - despite the fact that Ariel Sharon promised that the former would remain with the Likud, and the fact that the latter has apparently been promised to Labor.



The National Union party continues to insist, against the demands of the Labor party, that MK Benny Elon be named Chairman of the Knesset Law Committee. The National Union is gathering the support of other future coalition parties in this demand.