"Scandalous." That's how sources very close to Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom described the Channel One television news report last night. They were referring to an item purporting to show how Mr. Shalom had actively enlisted in the campaign to garner Likud support for the disengagement plan. A central feature in the report was footage of Shalom delivering a fiery speech, of which the viewers were allowed to hear him say only, "Our strength lies in our unity!" The impression was that Shalom had agreed not only to endorse the plan, but also to try to arouse support for it.
Shalom, as well as Ministers Netanyahu and Livnat, had strongly opposed the plan up until recently, when they finally expressed grudging support. The Prime Minister held separate meetings on Sunday with each of them, asking them to actively round up support within the Likud for his plan. Mr. Sharon had little or no success with any of them - though Shalom reportedly said he would defend the plan only in his capacity as Foreign Minister, and not as a Likud activist.
The speech broadcast on the Channel One report last night was delivered by Shalom over two weeks ago - as an unobtrusive caption on the screen indicated - and not, as was implied, following the meeting with the Prime Minister. Sources close to Minister Shalom said that he refuses to take an active role in promoting the evacuation plan, and that the report last night was a distortion of his position. "The truth is that Minister Shalom has decided to refrain from any contact with the press before the vote," the sources said.
Despite Arutz-7's request for a response from Channel One, none has yet been forthcoming.
Minister Ehud Olmert has organized a Pro-Disengagement Bus to drive around the country. It is travelling in the north today, including stops in Kiryat Bialik and other cities.
Shalom, as well as Ministers Netanyahu and Livnat, had strongly opposed the plan up until recently, when they finally expressed grudging support. The Prime Minister held separate meetings on Sunday with each of them, asking them to actively round up support within the Likud for his plan. Mr. Sharon had little or no success with any of them - though Shalom reportedly said he would defend the plan only in his capacity as Foreign Minister, and not as a Likud activist.
The speech broadcast on the Channel One report last night was delivered by Shalom over two weeks ago - as an unobtrusive caption on the screen indicated - and not, as was implied, following the meeting with the Prime Minister. Sources close to Minister Shalom said that he refuses to take an active role in promoting the evacuation plan, and that the report last night was a distortion of his position. "The truth is that Minister Shalom has decided to refrain from any contact with the press before the vote," the sources said.
Despite Arutz-7's request for a response from Channel One, none has yet been forthcoming.
Minister Ehud Olmert has organized a Pro-Disengagement Bus to drive around the country. It is travelling in the north today, including stops in Kiryat Bialik and other cities.