Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, who served as Israel's Chief Rabbi in the 1980's, is still of the opinion that the NRP should quit. "Three MKs of the NRP asked me this question a few months ago already," he said a few days ago, "and thank G-d, two of those who asked, in fact quit the government. The third one didn't listen to me, and I told him that next time, he shouldn't ask me."
Tension is high among party members, as the dispute between the two opposing factions reaches a climax - and, they hope, a resolution - this evening. Party leader Effie Eitam is now in a minority of one in his position that the party should quit the government today. Last night, however, he softened his position a smidgeon, proposing that the party resign only once the government begins paying compensation to residents. This could happen as early as next week.
The other MKs, led by Welfare Minister Zevulun Orlev and now joined by former Eitam-ally Yitzchak Levy, say that the party should quit only if one of the following red lines are crossed:
a. The government and Knesset approve the uprooting of Jewish communities in Gush Katif and northern Shomron.
b. The Knesset completes the legislation of the "Evacuation and Compensation Law" towards the implementation of Sharon's disengagement/expulsion plan.
c. The Labor Party joins the current coalition. If Labor joins together with another religious party, however, the NRP will not quit.
d. The 2005 budget does not provide for the operation of religious services and institutions.
The five MKs also demand that a national referendum be held on the issue of the disengagement, to be decided by a special majority of at least 65%. MK Rabbi Levy explained to Arutz-7 on Friday that he agreed to this compromise because "this is the best we can get."
***In a late-breaking development early this afternoon, sources close to Effie Eitam said that Levy had changed his mind, and now supports Eitam's compromise proposal.
The NRP polls open at 4:30 PM, and will close at 10 PM. The members will vote in a secret ballot at ten polling booths.
Tension is high among party members, as the dispute between the two opposing factions reaches a climax - and, they hope, a resolution - this evening. Party leader Effie Eitam is now in a minority of one in his position that the party should quit the government today. Last night, however, he softened his position a smidgeon, proposing that the party resign only once the government begins paying compensation to residents. This could happen as early as next week.
The other MKs, led by Welfare Minister Zevulun Orlev and now joined by former Eitam-ally Yitzchak Levy, say that the party should quit only if one of the following red lines are crossed:
a. The government and Knesset approve the uprooting of Jewish communities in Gush Katif and northern Shomron.
b. The Knesset completes the legislation of the "Evacuation and Compensation Law" towards the implementation of Sharon's disengagement/expulsion plan.
c. The Labor Party joins the current coalition. If Labor joins together with another religious party, however, the NRP will not quit.
d. The 2005 budget does not provide for the operation of religious services and institutions.
The five MKs also demand that a national referendum be held on the issue of the disengagement, to be decided by a special majority of at least 65%. MK Rabbi Levy explained to Arutz-7 on Friday that he agreed to this compromise because "this is the best we can get."
***In a late-breaking development early this afternoon, sources close to Effie Eitam said that Levy had changed his mind, and now supports Eitam's compromise proposal.
The NRP polls open at 4:30 PM, and will close at 10 PM. The members will vote in a secret ballot at ten polling booths.