Netanyahu and Shalom Don't Like Unilateral Withdrawal Plan
Two of the top three Likud Party ministers - Binyamin Netanyahu and Silvan Shalom - are against Prime Minister Sharon's unilateral withdrawal plan. Netanyahu said last night that the plan is "problematic and complex." He told the three Bush Administration emissaries currently visiting Israel that the program, as it currently exists, "does not provide the proper response and the necessary alternatives for Israel's security." Netanyahu also noted that the program must not be seen as a prize for terrorism.
Foreign Minister Shalom says that in principle, he is against unilateral moves, and that the disengagement will not lead to a decrease in terrorism. Minister Meir Sheetrit and others have also taken this position. Regarding the much-touted "American compensation" that many ministers demand in exchange for the withdrawal, Minister Shalom says he has no confidence in this, and that anything the Americans can offer will be only "declarative." He would not say how he plans to vote in the Cabinet when and if the withdrawal is brought for a vote, but he did give an indirect hint by stating that the right-wing parties' resignation from the coalition would lead to new elections - "something I would prefer to avoid."
Trade Minister Ehud Olmert, on the other hand, continues to push for a withdrawal from much of Gaza - and says that a withdrawal from much of Judea and Samaria is not far behind. Olmert said this on Thursday after meeting in London with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.
Two Shinui-party MKs - Reshef Chen and Ehud Ratzabi - toured Gush Katif today, as guests of the Settlement Division.
Two of the top three Likud Party ministers - Binyamin Netanyahu and Silvan Shalom - are against Prime Minister Sharon's unilateral withdrawal plan. Netanyahu said last night that the plan is "problematic and complex." He told the three Bush Administration emissaries currently visiting Israel that the program, as it currently exists, "does not provide the proper response and the necessary alternatives for Israel's security." Netanyahu also noted that the program must not be seen as a prize for terrorism.
Foreign Minister Shalom says that in principle, he is against unilateral moves, and that the disengagement will not lead to a decrease in terrorism. Minister Meir Sheetrit and others have also taken this position. Regarding the much-touted "American compensation" that many ministers demand in exchange for the withdrawal, Minister Shalom says he has no confidence in this, and that anything the Americans can offer will be only "declarative." He would not say how he plans to vote in the Cabinet when and if the withdrawal is brought for a vote, but he did give an indirect hint by stating that the right-wing parties' resignation from the coalition would lead to new elections - "something I would prefer to avoid."
Trade Minister Ehud Olmert, on the other hand, continues to push for a withdrawal from much of Gaza - and says that a withdrawal from much of Judea and Samaria is not far behind. Olmert said this on Thursday after meeting in London with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.
Two Shinui-party MKs - Reshef Chen and Ehud Ratzabi - toured Gush Katif today, as guests of the Settlement Division.