Some 12-15 Likud MKs who oppose the disengagement plan - they're known as the "Likud rebels," though they say they're standing up for Likud Party principles - will convene tonight in Tel Aviv. The purpose of the gathering is to commemorate the upcoming holiday of Rosh HaShanah [the Jewish New Year], but they will also be occupied with mapping out strategy for tomorrow's party faction meeting (see above) in which Prime Minister Sharon is expected to present his disengagement intentions.
One participant in tonight's gathering, Deputy Minister Michael Ratzon, denies that it will be a victory party commemorating the recent Likud Central Committee vote against Labor's entry to the coalition.
"Our opinion has not changed," Ratzon told Arutz-7 today. "We're against the disengagement, but we respect the Prime Minister's right to advance the plans he deems right. We feel that [his plan] is in opposition to the Likud's position, as expressed in recent votes. Sharon is apparently determined to continue his way, and we are determined to go our way, and it will be decided democratically: by a vote in the Knesset, which he will certainly initiate in accordance with his plans. We will not be able to vote for this plan.
"But if it reaches the Knesset, he won't need you anymore, as he will be supported by the left-wing," Arutz-7's Haggai Segal asked. Ratzon responded,
"If he really has a majority, then why [does he need] all these belligerent declarations? I feel that we have a majority; if Sharon is so confident that he has a majority, then let him bring it to the Knesset... My confidence comes from the fact that Sharon is so cautious about this vote; if he thinks he has a majority, he should do what Menachem Begin did regarding the peace treaty with Egypt [in 1978], and that is to allow every MK to vote his conscience... In any event, I will vote according to the Likud position, i.e., against the disengagement plan."
Arutz-7: "Why are you and your camp so careful not to speak against the Prime Minister? Seeing that he is actively working against the Likud position, isn't it time to topple him?"
Ratzon: "We believe that in the end he will accept our position or will reach an understanding with us--"
Arutz-7: "Really? In the meantime it looks like he is going quite head-to-head with you..."
Ratzon: "So far, it's just talk. We live in a democratic society. I think that what he said today, 'nothing will stop me,' is not something that should be said in a democratic society, and I hope that he didn't mean anything improper..."
One participant in tonight's gathering, Deputy Minister Michael Ratzon, denies that it will be a victory party commemorating the recent Likud Central Committee vote against Labor's entry to the coalition.
"Our opinion has not changed," Ratzon told Arutz-7 today. "We're against the disengagement, but we respect the Prime Minister's right to advance the plans he deems right. We feel that [his plan] is in opposition to the Likud's position, as expressed in recent votes. Sharon is apparently determined to continue his way, and we are determined to go our way, and it will be decided democratically: by a vote in the Knesset, which he will certainly initiate in accordance with his plans. We will not be able to vote for this plan.
"But if it reaches the Knesset, he won't need you anymore, as he will be supported by the left-wing," Arutz-7's Haggai Segal asked. Ratzon responded,
"If he really has a majority, then why [does he need] all these belligerent declarations? I feel that we have a majority; if Sharon is so confident that he has a majority, then let him bring it to the Knesset... My confidence comes from the fact that Sharon is so cautious about this vote; if he thinks he has a majority, he should do what Menachem Begin did regarding the peace treaty with Egypt [in 1978], and that is to allow every MK to vote his conscience... In any event, I will vote according to the Likud position, i.e., against the disengagement plan."
Arutz-7: "Why are you and your camp so careful not to speak against the Prime Minister? Seeing that he is actively working against the Likud position, isn't it time to topple him?"
Ratzon: "We believe that in the end he will accept our position or will reach an understanding with us--"
Arutz-7: "Really? In the meantime it looks like he is going quite head-to-head with you..."
Ratzon: "So far, it's just talk. We live in a democratic society. I think that what he said today, 'nothing will stop me,' is not something that should be said in a democratic society, and I hope that he didn't mean anything improper..."