Four ministers voted against the demolition of some 20 communities in Gush Katif and northern Shomron. Ministers Yisrael Katz, Tzachi HaNegbi, Limor Livnat and Danny Naveh have consistently opposed the disengagement plan, but continue to refuse to resign.
The vote today was held in contravention to the government's decision of June 2004. According to that arrangement, the vote on each of the four groups of communities was to take place only after the destruction of the previous group was completed. The goal was for the ministers to be able to review the manner in which the previous group was destroyed, and vote accordingly on the continuation of the process.
The above arrangement was finalized in what was known at the time as the Livny Compromise - but today, even Minister Tzippy Livny voted against the principles of the compromise she worked to formulate.
Education Minister Limor Livnat raised the matter of this abrogation last week, as did Ministers Naveh and Katz today, but despite this, they continue to remain in the government. Livnat said she will vote against the further demolition of communities, adding that the possibility of her resignation exists.
Hundreds of protestors rallied outside the government complex this morning during the Cabinet meeting. Large pictures of the four anti-disengagement Likud ministers were posted on the demonstration stage, and the speakers demanded their resignation. Organizers said, "If we can't get them to resign, at least let them be embarrassed and ashamed of themselves..."