Former senior Labor figure Uzi Baram, known to be towards the left end of the spectrum within his party, provided some surprise support today for the position that Prime Minister Sharon is promoting his policies in an undemocratic manner. Speaking on his Knesset channel television program today, Baram said, "Sharon's behavior is scandalous; there is no other word. He went to the Likud referendum and promised the nation that he would abide by its results; then he went to the Likud Central Committee and was defeated there as well; and yet he continues along his merry way. I may be personally in favor of his position, but my democratic sense totally opposes it."



Baram also attacked the Israel Institute for Democracy for its silence on this issue, and thus weakening the concept of party government. "If the majority in the Likud would be in favor of disengagement and the Prime Minister would oppose it, the Israel Institute for Democracy would crucify him... Is this the way it should be?"