Knesset approves Gaza exit

JERUSALEM - The Knesset passed the evacuation-compensation bill in a third and final reading with a 59 to 40 majority and five abstaining.

This endorsement signifies the beginning of Israel's official withdrawal from the Gush Katif bloc in the Gaza Strip and provides the government with the required support to implement the plan.

The vote was preceded by a marathon voting that included a long list of amendments to the bill.

The Knesset rejected an amendment by Knesset member Michael Eitan to postpone implementing the bill for 21 days so that a majority could be formed to hold a national referendum.

“The closer the government comes to implementing the pullout the less chances there are of reaching an agreement for a referendum.” Eitan said.

The cabinet decided to reject this amendment to the bill and accepted the one by Haim Katz from the Likud party according to which acclimatization costs would be given to evacuees in addition to their pension.

The cost of Katz’s proposal is estimated at NIS 10 million.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was the only Knesset member who had remained in his seat from the beginning of voting at 2pm until the bill was passed almost six hours later.

He will now have to establish a new coalition to consolidate support for the 2005 budget, otherwise the government would collapse along with the Gaza pullout plan.

Shas has already announced its decision not to join the government.

In response to Shas's decision, Shinui Chairman Yosef Lapid said Sharon would have to now confront his party and establish a coalition with Likud, Labor, Shinui and National Unity.

A heated debate

A heated debate took place prior to the vote over the controversial bill.

Labor minister Haim Ramon compared Neve Dekalim in the Gaza Strip to Khan Yunis and said there was no such place as Gush Katif, but rather a place called Gaza.

"The valued strength of Zionism will emerge triumphant, not this illusionary messianic power," he said.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said she had reached the conclusion that in order fulfill the values she was raised upon, she would have to hand over part of Israel's territories.

"I am doing this with complete faith that I am providing a future for our children,"she said.

Police prepared for clashes

The police have been on heightened alert throughout Wednesday and were prepared for possible large-scale protest throughout the country.

The level of alertness was raised to one below a state of emergency due to fear of a possible terror attack and to prevent disorderly conduct by disengagement opponents.

Outside the Knesset heads of the Yesha Council read the phrasing of the bill in a demonstrative move. This was followed by dozens of right-wing protestors taking to the roads and burning tires.

Several protestors were reportedly arrested.