The National Religious Party was hit hard by Sharon's announcement. MK Nissan Slomiansky said that if his party sees that the government is serious about carrying out the disengagement, it will quit the coalition. Slomiansky explained to Arutz-7 earlier this week that the party's objective in remaining in the government is to keep Labor out for as long as possible, while ensuring that no irreversible "disengagement facts" are implemented. He said that the decision to remain in such a government is a very hard one, and that "my heart is torn in two."
Welfare Minister Zevulun Orlev said that if changes in the coalition guidelines are instituted regarding religious and diplomatic issues, he will recommend to his party organs that the NRP quit the coalition.
Party leader Effie Eitam, who personally quit the government several weeks ago, expressed the hope that his party colleagues would quickly "get the message" and leave the government. "There's no doubt that the fact that part [4 out of 6 MKs] of the NRP remained in the government enabled Sharon to make cynical use of them until Labor was ready to enter the coalition," he said today. "They shouldn't be surprised at these developments." Asked if peace and serenity will once again return to the NRP, Eitam said, "Look, it wasn't a fight, it was a disagreement. Obviously, if we all sit on the same side, it will make it easier to overcome the differences."
Welfare Minister Zevulun Orlev said that if changes in the coalition guidelines are instituted regarding religious and diplomatic issues, he will recommend to his party organs that the NRP quit the coalition.
Party leader Effie Eitam, who personally quit the government several weeks ago, expressed the hope that his party colleagues would quickly "get the message" and leave the government. "There's no doubt that the fact that part [4 out of 6 MKs] of the NRP remained in the government enabled Sharon to make cynical use of them until Labor was ready to enter the coalition," he said today. "They shouldn't be surprised at these developments." Asked if peace and serenity will once again return to the NRP, Eitam said, "Look, it wasn't a fight, it was a disagreement. Obviously, if we all sit on the same side, it will make it easier to overcome the differences."