At least three government ministers now support a national referendum on the issue of the unilateral withdrawal/expulsion from Gaza and northern Shomron, and the issue has become the latest "hot topic" in the Israeli media.
The ministerial committee for legislation will discuss, at its next meeting, a proposal to hold a plebiscite on the issue of unilateral withdrawals and the uprooting of Jewish communities. MK Gilad Erdan (Likud), a leading opponent of the disengagement, has asked coalition whip MK Gideon Saar to table his proposal on the issue once again.
Among the first to mention the idea of a popular vote on the issue was none other than President Moshe Katzav. The President said nine days ago that it is likely that the question of whether to retreat from Gaza and relocate the Jewish residents will have to be decided in a plebiscite or by means of national elections.
Over the last few days, Ministers Uzi Landau, Binyamin Netanyahu and Zevulun Orlev have called on Prime Minister Sharon to agree to a national referendum on this question. Minister Gideon Ezra opposes a referendum, saying, "The Prime Minister has a right to change his mind without a new vote of approval from the nation."
Prime Minister Sharon said last week that there is not enough time to hold a referendum on the issue before the Knesset votes on the matter, which he has planned for Nov. 3. IMRA reports that the reason Sharon objects to a plebiscite is because he fears he may lose. Prime Ministerial Bureau staffers were quoted on Channel Two Television news last night as asking, "What group other than the settlers' movement can get people out to work on a campaign?"
Knesset Speaker Ruby Rivlin said today that it is likely that, because of its importance, this is one of those rare cases that a popular referendum should be held.
The Central Elections Board announced today that it could prepare a national referendum in three months' time, just like a regular national election, and that it would cost 150 million shekels ($33.3 million).
The ministerial committee for legislation will discuss, at its next meeting, a proposal to hold a plebiscite on the issue of unilateral withdrawals and the uprooting of Jewish communities. MK Gilad Erdan (Likud), a leading opponent of the disengagement, has asked coalition whip MK Gideon Saar to table his proposal on the issue once again.
Among the first to mention the idea of a popular vote on the issue was none other than President Moshe Katzav. The President said nine days ago that it is likely that the question of whether to retreat from Gaza and relocate the Jewish residents will have to be decided in a plebiscite or by means of national elections.
Over the last few days, Ministers Uzi Landau, Binyamin Netanyahu and Zevulun Orlev have called on Prime Minister Sharon to agree to a national referendum on this question. Minister Gideon Ezra opposes a referendum, saying, "The Prime Minister has a right to change his mind without a new vote of approval from the nation."
Prime Minister Sharon said last week that there is not enough time to hold a referendum on the issue before the Knesset votes on the matter, which he has planned for Nov. 3. IMRA reports that the reason Sharon objects to a plebiscite is because he fears he may lose. Prime Ministerial Bureau staffers were quoted on Channel Two Television news last night as asking, "What group other than the settlers' movement can get people out to work on a campaign?"
Knesset Speaker Ruby Rivlin said today that it is likely that, because of its importance, this is one of those rare cases that a popular referendum should be held.
The Central Elections Board announced today that it could prepare a national referendum in three months' time, just like a regular national election, and that it would cost 150 million shekels ($33.3 million).