Ariel Sharon Threatens Cabinet Shake-Up

[maddezmom]

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) on Sunday threatened to dismiss Cabinet ministers who don't support his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip (news - web sites), raising the stakes in a showdown that could break up the government, participants in the meeting said.

Sharon told the ministers during a heated Cabinet debate that he is determined to get his plan approved even if he has to "change the make-up of the government or take unprecedented political steps," one of those present said on condition of anonymity.


A Cabinet vote on the plan was not expected before next week.


The proposal has bitterly divided Sharon's 23-member Cabinet, with 11 ministers having spoken in favor of a Gaza withdrawal and 12 against. Israeli media said two ministers from the hard-line National Union party could be the first to go, which would give Sharon the majority he needs.

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more:http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=716&e=2&u=/ap/20040530/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians

[goforit]

1. I guess Sharon is gonna take them down physically.

It's the Bush way.

[The Zanti Regent]

2. Shaken, not stirred????

Sorry, couldn't resist it!

[phoebe]

3. Regardless of one's feelings about those involved, steps, tiny as

they may be, are being made to move forward but it has to be done without resorting to violence. Let's hope that all parties can agree to that for the time being.