Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, generally known as politically thick-skinned, took to heart the comments of Labor faction head MK Dalia Itzik yesterday, and called a halt to the talks. Most observers feel that this crisis will be overcome, however.
Itzik accused Sharon yesterday of keeping the Justice Ministry for the Likud because of the ongoing police investigations against him. Despite the insulting nature of these remarks, Labor MK Chaim Ramon – a staunch supporter of a national unity government that would bring about a retreat from Gaza – called upon Prime Minister Sharon and Labor Party leader Shimon Peres to meet and shore up all differences between the two. "I believe that an agreement can be signed by Sunday, and without even desecrating the Sabbath," he said.
Likud Knesset faction head Gideon Saar, while blaming Labor for the difficulties in the negotiations, estimated yesterday that in the end, an agreement between the two parties will be reached.
On the religious front, it appears that Shas will not be joining the coalition, at least for now. United Torah Judaism, on the other hand, is likely to join the coalition, but not necessarily the government. The party will certainly not have ministerial representation, and its manning of a deputy-minister's post is still up in the air.
Itzik accused Sharon yesterday of keeping the Justice Ministry for the Likud because of the ongoing police investigations against him. Despite the insulting nature of these remarks, Labor MK Chaim Ramon – a staunch supporter of a national unity government that would bring about a retreat from Gaza – called upon Prime Minister Sharon and Labor Party leader Shimon Peres to meet and shore up all differences between the two. "I believe that an agreement can be signed by Sunday, and without even desecrating the Sabbath," he said.
Likud Knesset faction head Gideon Saar, while blaming Labor for the difficulties in the negotiations, estimated yesterday that in the end, an agreement between the two parties will be reached.
On the religious front, it appears that Shas will not be joining the coalition, at least for now. United Torah Judaism, on the other hand, is likely to join the coalition, but not necessarily the government. The party will certainly not have ministerial representation, and its manning of a deputy-minister's post is still up in the air.