Immediately after the Likud Knesset faction meeting yesterday at which Prime Minister Sharon announced that he would formulate an alternate plan, he began consulting with his ministerial associates on its exact parameters. Arutz-7's Haggai Seri-Levy reports that Sharon is considering a "mini-withdrawal" from 5-6 communities, instead of 21 as in the original plan. These five would be Netzarim, Kfar Darom and Morag in Gaza, and Kadim and Ganim, and possibly Chomesh, in the northern Shomron. Kfar Darom is slightly set off from Gush Katif to the north, and Morag is even less set off to the southeast.
Two Labor MKs have proposed legislation that would include Psagot, adjacent to Ramallah in the southern Binyamin region, in the evacuation plans as well.
Sharon met at length yesterday with his political ally Trade Minister Ehud Olmert, and then with Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz. He met this morning with Justice Minister Yosef Lapid of the Shinui party, who told Sharon that his party demands a "diplomatic process" as a condition for its remaining in the coalition. The Prime Minister then met with Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, and is expected to meet later today with Opposition Leader Shimon Peres.
In light of the possible intention to carry out a mini-disengagement, the Yesha Council and Land of Israel supporters are bracing for yet another struggle. Once again, the Likud ministers must take sides. Education Minister Limor Livnat has hinted that she would support the new plan, while Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has remained silent since last week.
Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz, who opposed the Gaza withdrawal plan, opposes the current version as well. "The decision regarding unilateral withdrawals and evacuations under fire has been made," he said, "and everyone understands it." Katz told Arutz-7 that his recommendation to Sharon is to form a new coalition, replacing Shinui with the religious parties.
A survey carried out by pollster Mina Tzemach for Yediot Acharonot finds that 62% of the general public in fact supports the disengagement plan that was rejected this week by the Likud. Among those who voted for the Likud, 55% support the plan. The recent referendum, in which 59.5% voted against the plan, was held only among registered Likud members. It will be recalled that only two weeks before the referendum was held, polls showed that Likud supporters of the plan were headed for a double-digit victory.
Two Labor MKs have proposed legislation that would include Psagot, adjacent to Ramallah in the southern Binyamin region, in the evacuation plans as well.
Sharon met at length yesterday with his political ally Trade Minister Ehud Olmert, and then with Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz. He met this morning with Justice Minister Yosef Lapid of the Shinui party, who told Sharon that his party demands a "diplomatic process" as a condition for its remaining in the coalition. The Prime Minister then met with Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, and is expected to meet later today with Opposition Leader Shimon Peres.
In light of the possible intention to carry out a mini-disengagement, the Yesha Council and Land of Israel supporters are bracing for yet another struggle. Once again, the Likud ministers must take sides. Education Minister Limor Livnat has hinted that she would support the new plan, while Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has remained silent since last week.
Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz, who opposed the Gaza withdrawal plan, opposes the current version as well. "The decision regarding unilateral withdrawals and evacuations under fire has been made," he said, "and everyone understands it." Katz told Arutz-7 that his recommendation to Sharon is to form a new coalition, replacing Shinui with the religious parties.
A survey carried out by pollster Mina Tzemach for Yediot Acharonot finds that 62% of the general public in fact supports the disengagement plan that was rejected this week by the Likud. Among those who voted for the Likud, 55% support the plan. The recent referendum, in which 59.5% voted against the plan, was held only among registered Likud members. It will be recalled that only two weeks before the referendum was held, polls showed that Likud supporters of the plan were headed for a double-digit victory.