Several leading Likud members have adopted a new theme: not to "automatically disqualify" Labor, the way Shinui did with the hareidi parties. Among those who have said this of late are Binyamin Netanyahu, Limor Livnat, Tzippy Livni, Roni Bar-on, and others.
MK Tzvi Hendel (National Union), who is now in the opposition following Sharon's dismissal of his party leaders Avigdor Lieberman and Benny Elon because of their opposition to the disengagement, says that Livni and Livnat are acting hypocritically: "Now they say that the Likud should not disqualify anyone, but when the Prime Minister brutally and dictatorially threw out his best ministers and disqualified the National Union - the party that is closest to the Likud - they were silent and didn't say a word. We should therefore ask these ministers what motivates them now."
Hendel was joined by Likud MK Michael Eitan, who was miffed at accusations by Livnat and Livni that the 'rebels' would cause a split in the party: "It's amazing that they were silent when Sharon ignored party decisions, and now they suddenly come to his defense," he told Arutz-7 yesterday. Likud MK David Levy, as well, said, "The Likud voted strongly against the removal of Yesha communities, and the party leadership must act accordingly."
Some 70 of Sharon's supporters also held a gathering last night, preparing for tomorrow night's events. Omri Sharon said, "The main thing is that we have to bring those who support us tomorrow night for the vote. It's always easier to bring out those who oppose, but we can't give up; that would be the easiest thing." He warned that a defeat is likely to bring about new elections.
The convention was forced down Sharon's throat after disengagement-opponents turned to the Likud court. However, this doesn't yet mean that Sharon has lost; he has said that the only body that can approve the formation of a government is the Knesset, and not a party organ. Sharon's political ally Minister Ehud Olmert has already hinted that just like after the disengagement referendum ten weeks ago, Sharon is likely not to respect the decision if it does not jibe with his desires. Labor, meanwhile, has suspended coalition negotiations with the Likud until after the convention.
MK Tzvi Hendel (National Union), who is now in the opposition following Sharon's dismissal of his party leaders Avigdor Lieberman and Benny Elon because of their opposition to the disengagement, says that Livni and Livnat are acting hypocritically: "Now they say that the Likud should not disqualify anyone, but when the Prime Minister brutally and dictatorially threw out his best ministers and disqualified the National Union - the party that is closest to the Likud - they were silent and didn't say a word. We should therefore ask these ministers what motivates them now."
Hendel was joined by Likud MK Michael Eitan, who was miffed at accusations by Livnat and Livni that the 'rebels' would cause a split in the party: "It's amazing that they were silent when Sharon ignored party decisions, and now they suddenly come to his defense," he told Arutz-7 yesterday. Likud MK David Levy, as well, said, "The Likud voted strongly against the removal of Yesha communities, and the party leadership must act accordingly."
Some 70 of Sharon's supporters also held a gathering last night, preparing for tomorrow night's events. Omri Sharon said, "The main thing is that we have to bring those who support us tomorrow night for the vote. It's always easier to bring out those who oppose, but we can't give up; that would be the easiest thing." He warned that a defeat is likely to bring about new elections.
The convention was forced down Sharon's throat after disengagement-opponents turned to the Likud court. However, this doesn't yet mean that Sharon has lost; he has said that the only body that can approve the formation of a government is the Knesset, and not a party organ. Sharon's political ally Minister Ehud Olmert has already hinted that just like after the disengagement referendum ten weeks ago, Sharon is likely not to respect the decision if it does not jibe with his desires. Labor, meanwhile, has suspended coalition negotiations with the Likud until after the convention.